[quote=robpatt]what jerome said.
i can add that with my stock 18 sails and mast downhauling doesn't make much difference when sailing, certainly not as described....
the new boats with carbon masts are real "bendy" and react well to massive downhauling, etc....
on my H18 w/6:1 down haul, I can get some sail shape with it, but mostly I just use it to take the wrinkles out... I will tighten in a blow and release downwind... but its NOT the thing to play when you're on the trap.... whereas the carbon and twisty masts guys are always playing that thing....
keep in mind nothing in a vaccum... changes to downhaul will mean changes to mainsheet... outhaul, etc... overall sail shape..the whole rig in tune.. then just minor finesse changes while driving...
just my $.02.<!-- editby --><em>Edited by robpatt on Aug 20, 2012 - 12:58 PM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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