The goosneck can be moved forward and back depending on windspeed. For light air, it is moved forward, sometimes as close as 12 inches from the tack, so that the sail is canted up. In heavy air it is moved back, to the point where the bottom spar becomes parallel to the deck, up to 24 inches.
So true. Alan Glos mentioned this also, saying it "...reduces boom-on-head incidents..." !I have two zip-ties on my upper spar: one to mark attachment for racing, and one for casual sailing or carrying a passenger.
Why?
Passengers generally don't like to have to scrape under a sail on tacking/jibing, and they especially don't like getting whacked. Plus you can see better.
So you'll get more repeat customers. Its just good for business.
Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful response, Gregory. I definitely learned some points. thank you.A higher sail does not by itself generate more power. Only a bigger sail, or adjusting sail trim, can do that.
Below is a video where a Sunfish has been rigged for a "topping lift".A thing I love about the sunfish is that you can change the boom height like this. I have never sailed anything else where you can.