Folks - this is a great discussion. Between the rules and the functional review of how the step, partners, etc. changes affect the way the rig sets up, it's a great overview of how to optimize the boat's performance.

Back when Bill and Dave asked for feedback, one of the things I suggested were more "How-To" articles. Often, great ideas and knowledge are buried in not just one thread but even cross-linked between multiple threads. For a newb visiting the site trying to figure things out, find good guidance, etc. it's not terribly easy to find what's needed to get the boat and rig in tune (and in optimized class conformance). Same for other topics.

It would be great to see folks, as they do these projects, take the content in the threads, their own pics, measurements, and whatnot, and create one document that highlights the process. That would help bring the entire class up to speed, demystify some of the more obscure projects, and help establish authority of a great community and class across all sailing communities.

Some sample topics that jump to mind include:
- Updating the mainsheet to gross/fine trim
- Updating the backstay adjustment controls
- Installing a boomvang/kicker
- Installing new halyard stoppers
- Replacing the standard hatches
- Rebuilding the original Barient winches
- Replacing the fixed portlights

There are some great sites (like Bill's!) that feature some of this content but it would be great to either host some of it on the J30.org site or at least develop more organized links to it.

Creating a new forum post is likely not the best mechanism. What's the best way to create a document like this - with pics - that can then be added to the repository of How-To documents on the site?

Thanks! - Jeff