That looks like 18 threads to me, but I should say with the new foil we are still experimenting with rudder position. The overall theory is that you want the full range of the rudder pin, so you can get the bow up upwind and down downwind. Hopefully we'll ave better info for you soon

I know a lot of us are still playing around with this, and the US Class is working to publish our updated tuning guide soon. The rule of thumb is heavier conditions lower the boom height. A flat sail is fast upwind once you are up and foiling; there are possible drawbacks to downwind speed though. Still playing around with it and hope to have more guidance for you soon.

Flat water and consistent breeze is definitely the easiest. I am not too familiar with either spot, but someone will likely have some more specific suggestions. Where are you located?

Thanks for the question. Keep in mind that the original tuning guide was modeled after the moth and it was written with much fewer data points than we have now. Conner's article also works off of the assumption that you have 16 turns out on the gantry, which is much further out than the tuning guide recommends. There may be merits to putting the bow down at times; however, even with the bow up, the ride height will balance out any adverse effects. In practicing this, we found that the bow up (going upwind) allows the boat to point a lot higher. The speed differences with putting the bow down do not appear to pay off with regards to VMG. Another great thing to watch is the video and pics from the waszp games in Perth - you will notice everyone sails upwind with the bow slightly up.