From what I saw at the Aus Nationals the people trapping downwind were at the front of the fleet!
HOWEVER - I have a slight theory that if you are confident/competent enough to do this then your boat handling skills (both up, down and around) are probably superior!?
On the Stingray I find it is actually easier (and seems faster) to have the crew on the wire, they can get further back and the boat doesn't react so violently to gusts! But I do accept that it is totally different 2-up to 1-up!
Personally Mitch - i think the most gain was made hoisting & dropping the kites at the rounding marks.
The vipers were faster off the wind but had to sail higher to achieve the speeds.
Marcus
