Mast controls (Diamond tension, Spreader rake, Spreader length, mast rake,shroud tension) were carefully tested through a very large range of variables. We can confirm that with the carbon mast there are less difficulties to find the basic set up for the proper matching with the sail.
Call me a lousy engineer but how does anyone explain this conclusion exactly ?
It's easier to achieve and maintain a specific flying shape on a stiffer mast. (It sounds like this mast is stiffer). I think this is what they mean by "there are less difficulties to find the basic set up for the proper matching with the sail." Not that the turnbuckles are easier to turn.
The word in English you are looking for is ductile.
That's not to say stiffer is faster. But lighter for a given stiffness is always faster.
Of course after only four days of testing they realistically have only a rudimentary understanding of how the new mast will effect sail design.
