Tiller crossbar

I just noticed in some pictures of a Hobie Wave race, that some sailors mount the tiller crossbar on the underside of the tiller arms. I was wondering what the reason or advantage would be as opposed to mounting it on the top side?

I'd post one of the pics but not sure if I can post somebody else's photo.

I dont see any advantage to mounting the bar on the bottom side of the tiller arms. That will reduce the sailors ability to get further back on the boat. Perhaps it was a rigging mistake and they lost the race.

The pics were from a Hobie Wave Nationals and posted on Catsailor. Couldn't find the name of the photographer to give credit. This pic is of Charlie Harp leading the Masters.

Tiller crossbar looks mounted under the tiller arms.

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Another pic from the same race where it appears the tiller crossbar is mounted under the tiller arms. It is captioned as Whizzie Burrowes won 3rd place womens.

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Maybe simply more comfortable for some sailors to have it lower.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I wonder if it is related to how the tiller extensions fit. Each post I find related to installing a tiller extension has the crossbar on the bottom. Odd. The only other thing I found was someone saying they did it for light weather downwind sailing so they could lay down and steer more easily with their feet!

Last time I was out, I did that by mistake. I had some decent wind and I felt that I couldn't get as far back as I wanted. I ended up putting it back on top while on the water.