This old chestnut. Was mucking around yesterday concentrating on 'Closing the Gap'.

Usually I just sail to whatever feels right, and I'd say that is creating 'Mast Base Pressure'. All the drive feels like it comes from the mast, pulling me forward, with the occasional squeeze.

So while closing the gap yesterday:

- I'm not sure I was actually going any faster, but perhaps I was.
- I didn't feel as comfortable, not as much control.
- My ass hit the water a couple of times.

- And, overall, the rig felt very back-handed. Most of the power was going through my legs to the fin.

Perhaps I didn't have the rig set right? I had maximum downhaul, minimum outhaul and was powered up most of the time, occasionally lit up, occasionally underpowered. Personally I'd say it was a very comfortable and fast setting, except when 'closing the gap'. I was mostly sailing on a reach.

Now I think of it probably the only times I 'close the gap' ...just because, is when fully lit on flat water.

10th edit: I know what I'm trying to say/ask. Should I be really slamming the sail down for every last inch of power, or letting it breath a little (like I usually do)?