in a Force 3 wind. It looked messy needing a few tension adjustments but it worked well. Then I got the ultimate test. Sitting with my back to the wind on a reach I was suddenly hit by a violent gust. This was enough to flatten the boat to about 45 degrees and screw it round to windward in a tight circle. I got a brief glimpse of the mast and sail as I flung my arm and hooked it round a stanchion to stop from falling overboard. The gust lasted about a minute in all – very scary but it proved two things. The mast did not fall down and the sail did not self-balance. I am now pleased with my work. Paul McKay

Hi Mark. Thanks for your kind comments. Yes, Back to normal! Your point about the centre of pressure close-hauled makes sense and would explain some of my results. My new jib has a slightly shorter foot than the successful temporary one so should have a slightly smaller lever. The wind here has been so gusty in the marina that although I have fitted the 'new' jib I have not been able to keep it up for long enough to re-make the jib downhauls or the lazy jacks. That plus jazz gigs and friend's funerals.

Having finally worked out what size my jib should be I have just recovered my original sail from the sailmaker who has cut it down by 30 odd sq ft. I fitted it today in between heavy gusts and rain squalls. I got a brief look at it fully erected but had to drop the rig when the weather got serious. This was in the marina! It looks good to me but might seem strange to you.