: I'm very, very happy for you, John. It sounds like you have hit the magic
: place where you can spend less time in development and more time out
: sailing and paddling.

Thank you very much Chris. This has been a very satisfying experience to finally get it right and I must say learning so much along the way.

: There comes a time in the load-up of the rig and the resultant pressing of
: the ama, where the VMG (velocity made good) will see a dramatic drop-off.
: This will be due to the amas, their immersed depth and wetted surface are,
: as well as the angle of attack of the ama in the water as it is being
: pushed forward.

That's a good point Chris. I was cringing as the amas was loading up pushing water. I could just feel it killing some speed. I tried to shift my weight a little in the confining cockpit to lift the ama a little but it was way to little and I'm too old to hike I think. My next trip out will be to test speeds with my GPS and do adjustments of the sails to see their effects on the speed.

Trying to drive the amas under water was just a test to see how much the set up could take and to get a feel for the safety of it.

: My two cents, of course. Still, you've built a fantastic fulfillment of a
: personal vision with your rig and boat together. There's much here in
: which you should be very proud.

: Chris Ostlind

I have had good advice from many people on this and other boards Chris but your suggestions kept me headed in the right direction and not straying too far off course.

Thanks,
John