Hi Don,

That’s a good idea.  We didn’t bother to raise the poptop and enclosure because it was only a day sail and with rain likely.  I’ve read about lowering the boom as “the first reef”, but didn’t think of it that day, nor had I explored how to move the attachment.  Your description will help!

Paul

Sent from my iPhone

> On 10. Aug 2025, at 18:29, Donald Simons via Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:
> 
>  Hi Paul,
> Perhaps I missed this somewhere in the previous messages, but when the wind gets uncomfortable while sailing, you can lower the pop-top and then lower the boom to a lower position.  There should be a hole in the mast where the spring pin by the gooseneck fits into.  This will reduce heeling, but... puts the boom at a position where you can easily hit your head.  Both my '81 and '03 Rhodes had this feature.  This feature lowers the center of force from your mainsail and as a result, reduce heeling.
> Don Simons,Old Forge, NY
>    On Friday, August 8, 2025 at 08:58:29 AM EDT, Paul Rhodes <plrhodes29 at gmail.com> wrote:  
> 
> Thanks Roger, Ric, Larry, Todd, Chris et al for your welcoming words and informative discussion on shortening sail and keeping Commodores happy!  I’ll enjoy putting your thoughts into practice.
> 
> Larry, Stan also thought that with our name, it was meant to be, and I won’t argue.  I’ve been trying to find a familial connection with Phil ever since I heard about him as a kid. 
> 
> Paul
> 
> Sent from my iPhone