I doubt the slides have much of an effect. Ever see vortex generators on a wing? Some things that make aerodynamic sense don't make common sense.
For all I know the net effect of slides is positive in this application... or not.
Anyway, I read all the above posts and basically you could go on and on and on about why or why not a rotating mast was good or bad or whatever.
The bottomline is to compare a stock boat to mine and see what if any difference there is.
The extra sail area on mine at light wind speeds is definitely an advantage. At higher wind speeds maybe an advantage but maybe not.
The rotating mast certainly makes sense in theory, and so far from "seat of the pants" observations in practice.
Reliability? It is a bit more complicated of a rig, but that doesn't absolutely mean that it is going to break sooner.
Bottomline is that I bet $20 that nobody in a stock X or stock M with 100% jib can beat me in a race! I'll meet anyone at Anclote Key, FL for a grudge match.
Put up or shut up.
