First experience: Compared to the standard boats we raced with that day, its possible to sail 5-10 degrees deeper, and about 1 knot faster and still be on the wire in these conditions. There was no sign of problems with the rig despite the halyard was lifted to a point between the top band and the normal halyard position.

We tested with and without vang pressure to see what happened. The pole position on the mast is not changed, but the pole is lowered about 10 cm.

Personal opinion : For a 60 degree course, this spinnaker is of course too big if there is more than 10-12 knots, but I think it will be the right size for a standard 45 degree course. If its a windward/ leeward course, its to small, and it has to be wider (approx. 25 m2 I think) but still with 6 meter leech.

From my experience, the rig should be able to deal with the force. The rig can be changed in less than 30 minutes, it cost less than 50$ incl. a new halyard. And a spinnaker can be 'rebuilt' for those who don´t want to spend money, and for the rest - well we buy new spinnakers anyway!

Testing will continue during the winter (until ice stops the fun.) 

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Tom Bojland – Danish 505 Class Association