Some additional information, from "Christmas Race" at Palamos.

1: The carbon mast with proper sails was faster than boats with alu masts. One of the crews with alu mast was faster consistently than one of the other crews last year. This year the roles was reversed, probably due to a carbon mast.
(Both teams are excellent teams, of comparable skill levels)

2: The new mast is very stiff, and does not bend much as downhaul is applied. Also has a lot more spreader rake as compared to alu masts, to get some pre-bend into it.


Did I hear 'the peoples movement to allow alu masts to be re-fitted with streamlined spreaders and no tip-weight correctors' firing up in the background