Tom Cunliffe

Any psychologist promoting harmony among sailors will advise that certain topics of conversation should be placed on a “banned” list, posted prominently on board for daily inspection. Discussing religion can cause rifts on far-ranging vessels, and don’t start me off on the “B” word. Unless you are certain that the whole crew backs the same horse, steer well clear in the interests of avoiding the inconvenience of homicide. Fortunately, less contentious subjects abound. Yachting is generally safe although, as life winds along, my own views seem to be growing increasingly fluid. The more evidence I sift, the harder it becomes to formulate positive conclusions.

Take mainsail handling systems, for instance. Some years ago I was asked to head up a comparative evaluation of the two most common arrangements and a third which is gaining ground. In the dock, ready for the verdict, were a