Pole out the Jib
I race my 88 h23 and find that any time I pole out the jib going down wind my performance improves. Many times we go wing and wing, release the outhaul, and pole the jib. By steadying the jib we keep the sail from luffing and flopping around which makes it easier for the wind to fill the sail, particularly of those light air days. Highly recommend using a pole. The one I have is the 1 1/4" Forspar telescoping pole. I removed the spike on one end and replaced it with the jaw type used on the mast end. Attached a line to run between to two jaw pins so you can just pull on the line to release each end. The length on the line is equal to the J measurement on the boat making it easy to telescope the pole until the line is tight then just grab the sheet, attach the pole, push it out and snap the other end onto the mast ring. "Made" and away you go. Ain't this fun. I love beating up on the larger boats in our club that race in the jib and main only class.
