I think the direction Rob is going is to an actual kite. As long as there is enough wind to fly it it can be more efficient than a gennaker.
For very light and variable winds there is no substitute for sail area. . . and less wetted surface area.
I don't think a Harryproa design is the best design for light winds, a pure displacement hull (least low speed resistance) and a huge sail area are going to be better, since all of the speeds and forces are going to be lower.
About the mast strength, any mast is strong enough in light winds ^^ when a gennaker is most useful. The real question is at what airspeed does a gennaker have to come down? 15 knots? The forces start rising rapidly above 15 knots.
15 knots is when sailing and kite flying start to get fun.
Talador
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Posted by: taladorwood@yahoo.com.au
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