Spooks article is to help new Island owners/beginners learn how to sail.Newbies don't tend to have barber haulers, or other devices to hold the sail out.
Sailing directly downwind is generally slower than sailing just off the wind.
For a beginner, sailing directly downwind in stronger winds is not such a good idea. Without a boom or barber hauler or other devices, the sail tends to fold up on itself and loses power. Also because the wind direction is never really constant, it can result in an accidental gybe, and in stronger winds this can result in damage to the sail and mast.
Here is a portion of the article that Tony was referring to and explains it very well for beginners.Quote:
Often referred to as the ‘Don’t Go Zone’, running can be a very dangerous point of sail. Since the stern of the boat is already “in the eye” of the wind, any sudden wind changes or mistakes while steering could cause the boat to accidentally gybe causing the sail to swing dangerously across the boat to the other side. Although the Hobie AI sail does not have a boom, an accidental gybe can tear the sail in high wind conditions. Due to this, it is often advised to beginner sailors to sail 10-20 degrees off of a true run until they gain enough experience to be able to safely handle it. In addition, unless you have rigged a whisker pole, you can’t get your get your sail all the way out to the side so a point of sail of 150-170 degrees presents more sail area to the wind.
Depending on the wind speed and conditions, you may to get to your down wind destination quicker by using a series of alternating broad reaches. When gybing, pull the sail to the center half way through the turn then gradually let it out on the other side as the gybe is completed. This will reduce the risk of tearing the sail.