Thank you for taking the time to explain this to a complete lubber Dobbs. It has clarified in one or two paragraphs something that I was struggling to understand from my books even before the curved of altering the masts.
Full marks for using the rooster vane as an exemplar. It is something I can understand totally as I have made a few over the years for friends. Must get one done for myself one of these days. Problem is Sea-witch or HMS Victory?
Rob.