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I think it could be a matter of what it the easiest to steer. I have not been offshore with our boat so do not have all the answers. Those that have been offshore seem to like two headsails up. I tried sailing with the big chute by myself and let the autohelm steer. This only worked in a bit of breeze. As soon as it got windy we went splat. With two headsail up and a reef in the main it was easy to handle. So the chute is likely the best up to a certain windspeed and then two headsails. I have never tried a cruising chute but wonder if the big headsail and a staysail would work as well. Sometimes the waves may dictate that straight downwind is best, other times you may be able to do a broad reach. With a limited crew a chute will have limited use but would be better for light air. I know lots of variables. BC Mike C
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