Bob, I have been using this boat primarily for day sailing and cruising. The roller is a no-brainer for that. On the carbon roller there is a thin transparent film applied for UV protection, much like thin mylar.
I am interested in beginning to do some short-handed racing. The roller and assym are simply easier to handle for single and double handed racing. If I were interested in racing with a full crew compliment, this probably would not be the way to go.
As for flying the assym this will again depend on the number of crew. I am told by my sailmaker (Z Sails) that it is most effective with the spinnaker pole. So single handed, probably no pole, double handed and more probably will use the pole. A sock would make it real easy, but I haven't invested in one yet.
