[tevake]

Ahoy there afterburner, Sorry I didn't link you with your earlier post. Kestrel is a very nice looking boat, nice job building her. and I can second what you say about the performance of the T-bird design.
Very fine sailing boats, and very ready to plane given the right conditions.
And I have to admit to being mostly self taught in getting into sailing myself, with some useful
sailing with more experienced sailors along the way.

How ever I have done sail instruction, both in dingys, and in mid 30' cruising monohulls,
I enjoyed helping to smooth the way, and accelerate the process for others who were learning to manage and enjoy being out on the water under sail. And seeing them progress more quickly and learn to avoid problems without having to go thru them themselves.
There are many ways to go about learning most things. My earlier suggestions were intended to be just that. No judgment about other input.
I so appreciate the help I get here on PP BBS in sorting out problems with my SC. This help supports me in taking on jobs I wouldn't want to muddle thru on my own.

I saw the OPs questions as an opportunity to contribute in an area that I do have some experience with. I am sure he is taking from each of us what he can use to get into having some fun afloat.

Cheers Richard