Exactly Jake, it is a doubler, only used in higher wind, and when beating. It is released when reaching and downwind.

Rolf, long story on the other boat in the background, but you hit it right on the head. I was T-Boned by a 31' Monterey that was fully planing, (20+ knots?)I never saw a thing. My psychiatrist told me to buy another boat immediatly (that is what I told my wife) to recover from the poat traumatic stress that ensued.