Mariner
1. The c/b should be against its stops when its fully down, not hanging from the cable. You may have something in the way not allowing it to drop. If its not down all the way, that would contribute to poor light are handling because you won't have full efficiency. That said, all boats point less well in light air. Try to foot to build speed then head up to your course. When you start to stall, foot again. 2. Nope. The boom is often perpindicular to the mast but not always. If the sail is full, the boom will rise. It is the job of the mainsheet and the vang to control that rise when its undesireable. It sounds as though you may have a worn sail. If that leach is tighter than the luff, as it may be if the end of the boom is higher than the gooseneck, the sail may be blow out. This would contribute to the poor light air handling. 3. I don't usually muck with my shrouds on boats I'm not racing. I set them and forget them. Check out the mariner class assocation for some specific numbers. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
