I have a boat with the original stick circa 1984 and I think the track starts at ~4' above the deck. I think that a longer track is quite a significant performance modification, inasmuch as spin sets are significantly faster with the long track, particularly gybe sets where late pole attachment is required. I would stay conservative and keep the short track even though I race primarily PHRF. The strictly enforced one design rules are one reason that these boats retain their value so well (to be mercenary about it),and also the close one design racing is a blast!
