David,
Congratulations. It takes a wise person to admit their lack of experience  
might be the problem. None of us have the same conditions for sailing. Ocean  
winds are usually very steady and predictable. The same holds true for great  
lakes sailors. Inland lake sailors sometimes have steady winds, but for the most 
 part, our conditions change by the minute, hour or by which part of the lake 
we  are sailing on.
I personally am a lazy sailor. I don't like fidgeting with equipment all  the 
time, so the CDI furler wouldn't do me much good. Having another sail  
onboard is just something else to store, maintain and have underfoot.
Continue with what you are doing. You will find the balance in your boat  and 
sharpen your skills at the same time. If you happen to break something along  
the way, keep on smiling and chalk it up as another wonderful learning  
experience.
 
Rummy



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