Easing spin hal: pretty sure one of your competitors will speak with you if you lower the hal too much. Most sailmakers recommend easing the hal approx 4" (+/- 2") in various conditions to shape the chute. In light air, I can see your point - ease the halyard and thus allow the spin to float away from the mast, with the potential for cleaner air. I will say this - we J30 guys are at a real disadvanteg in the light stuff - all the decent wind in these conditions is off the water and the guys with masthead rigs can benefit (even slightly) from the air higher off the water. Lowering the spin hal will decrease the amount of cloth in this "zone of better air"... but would it make a difference?
Lately, on hull 477, we have been trying hard to make the boat go in light air since it the condition most prevelent in our evening series. We have been experimenting and experiencing some inconsistent success. Once I see a pattern, I will share my findings.
