George,

Technically, the extra bend is suppose to help when pulling the traveler very hgih on the track. The arc allows you to not pull on leech tension when pulling the traveler up. But, I never go much past the edge of the seat usually, unless I am really trying to pinch up for some reason. And then it is usually best to just pull the mainsheet on hard instead of traveler-ing up.

In my opinion, I would tell you to not worry about it and concentrate on more important areas. Things that will make you get around the bouys quicker is what you want to concentrate on. A few suggestiongs are:

-good cross sheeting set-up
-easy backstay adjustment system. preferrably one that you can adjust on the fly without taking you eyes off the tell tales.
-easy to reach controls for the rest of the crew (i.e.- topping lift, halyards, boom vang, twings.)
-delete the foreguy and move the twings forward to perpendicular of the mast. Only really need them in heavy air anyway.
-bow hatch launching system for the kite.
-spin pole bag on the boom.
-spin halyard catch on the bow.

That should be enough to keep you busy for a few weekends. If you have any questions about any of the above feel free to e-mail me.

But really, the best thing overall you can do is get time on the water in the boat and with the same crew. You will find yourself figuring out what needs to be changed real quick. And, you will find yourself improving and learning the baot even quicker.

Cheers, Jason

:: TAZ!'s current traveler has about a 1.5" high "wedge"
:: under both ends of the traveler, has a 1/4" thick
:: aluminum plate supporting the Main Sheet Cleating
:: assembly and a windward sheeting car. The aluminum plate
:: spans the distance between but does ot attach to the
:: cockpit seats.
::
:: I'd like to optomize my new (to me) boat. I am thinking
:: about increasing the bend in the traveler with about
:: 4.5" high wedges. Do I need to do this? If this does
:: make sence, instead of holding down the center of the
:: traveler with a post to the cockpit floor, I am thinking
:: about installing a piese of aluminum angle iron with a
:: 1" to 1 1/2" flange under the plate to keep it from
:: bending. Any comments?