Tom, My spin on the three questions: 1. - PaintBoy's keel retracts up into the cabin - it comes up vertically and is hoisted on a winch/frame that is located in the companionway hatch -bulb tucks up under the hull very nicely Stan did a GREAT job on the boat! 2. - Tall rig improvement is most noticeable by myself in light air. Fairly big deal around here in the desert as we have typically light conditions. - Mast is 21" longer - boom same - headsails can be 21" longer on the luff - not a big physical dimension but it works. (rig also weighs more) 3. - Ida Rudder would not be a 'penalty' - this group doesn't really care what kind of rudder (to some extent keels) you have - build a hollow one & fill it with helium - the change in performance would be negligible - straight, stiff and a good shape is most important - few meet the criteria - there is no one-design standard and many have/are building their own version (some beautiful) of a "Good Rudder". I just got a phone call from an owner about their 'new rudder'. Let's be realistic, - the boats are GREAT - but still pretty slow compared to other larger, faster boats - compared to other in its size range - it is spectacular! Some of the group is VERY serious - about sailing to the best of the boat/sailors abilities AND having fun - but they are just as good a source of instruction and sharing ANY and ALL skill, tips, even boats- as any group I have personally been associated with over years of cycling,auto and sail sports racing at local & national levels - No prima donnas here. One of the fleet members built me the 'new rudder' for my boat! Guess who?- a nice guy! IF there was active PHRF or mixed fleet racing using handicap formulae, this would be a different scenario - but racing between the same boats, most all of which have been 'modified' intentionally or accidentally, it seems to be working - few complaints if any. We are open to ANY & ALL commentary and assistance to make it accessible and FUN for ALL - this isn't world politics - it is 'racing short stubby boats' for fun and skill! Nothing more - it seems to amuse a group of us. Have FUn - Go Sail GO this response was sent to the list as it may show what the 'racing group' of the WrinkleBoat fleet is about- one persons version.