Awesome!!!
Just what the doctor ordered!!! Nice sail trim as well!!
How many degrees aft can you articulate the sprit?
The kite looks a bit small (but I can't really tell); is it "full size" meaning the Midgirth (SMW or SMG) based on 1.8 X J (without the sprit) or 1.8 X J (with the sprit-in which case I would bet you had a rating hit)?
If you ordered a "cruising spinnaker" with sock (I see that!
), it might less than the maximum 1.8 X J without the sprit...Does this make sense?
The point I am getting at is for those who may want to do the same, very smart, move as you did, it is worth taking the time to analyze the impact of these dimensions on speed vs. rating.
Either way, looks very sharp-and don't be shy about easing that tack line in light airs--for close reaches (as in the first shot) if the breeze is under about 6 knots, I would ease off about 10-12", adding as the breeze builds. This is essentially the same theory I have discussed about trying to get the Headstay to sag off as much you can for upwind light air sailing-makes for a rounder entry, deeper sail (this increases the delta in wind speeds between the windward and leeward side of the sail, thereby increasing the pressure differential and increasing lift), which produces more speed (and yes, more drag, but in these conditions you get more speed than drag)!!
When sailing deeper, ease the tack off progressively, so that when you have the sprit swung back and have enough breeze to sail deep, you might want to ease as much as 24-30" on the tack line. This will enable the sail to "rotate" out to windward and be more "in front" of the boat.
Check out some pics of J105 or Melges 24's-you will notice the deeper they are sailing, the more tackline is eased.
Thanks for the great pics!!
Seth