Back then, no serious racing boat was without a blooper. Unlike a spinnaker where the sheet and the guy were played, with a blooper the sheet and the halyards were played. The photo shows how far to leeward the sail was able to catch the wind, however the speed increase was very marginal.

Adam Reay
PS I am just on the right of the mast.

Old Gaffar at the Needles
(4th LTSC Photo Competition 2005)

Photos: Adam Reay

Old Gaffar at Ploumanach, Brittany
(5th LTSC Photo Competition 2005)

Photo below Barbara