Based on our experience in the Pacific NW, we have performed much better in medium to light airs with less rake vs. more rake when using the No. 1. We slack off the backstay to create forestay sag (ie. power) and control luff sag with runners as the wind increases. The main is full and powerful in these conditions. As the wind increases we pull on backstay to flatten the top of the main, create twist, and take over tensioning to the forestay. The aft lowers are fully adjustable with block and tackle and set to accomodate mast bend as the vang is pulled on to help flatten the lower sections of the main.

With more rake we were able to point better, but we had much more helm. Acceleration was very slow and overall speed was slow. Go for more rake in these situations - this is very fast.