I don't think there are any drawbacks to what you've done, Robbin. The M17 was designed to be a masthead rig, so hoisting the sail all the way to the top is in the original spec. Plus now you're giving youself a bit of extra visibility at the deck level with the foot of the sail raised, improving the shape of the sail, reducing chafe, etc.
I believe what you've added is commonly called a tack pennant. You want to make sure it's stong enough to handle the stresses you're putting on it... t _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
