Ron, Keeping the foot of the sail on the deck is a real advantage when racing. Using a sail cut for use on a pennent makes for safer sailing because you can see other boats more clearly. With the foot of the sail on the deck you are blind to traffic comming at you from that direction. Some genoas have a see thru plastic panel sewn in so you can see somewhat. You could also get a genoa cut so the tack is on the deck, but the foot is cut at an angle so you can see more under it. These use to be called cruising sails. It really comes down to personal choice. If you are sailing an an area with a lot of boats a deck-sweeping genoa would require you to keep a very good watch out for other boats. If you are interested in performance then the deck-sweeper will generate more boat speed. John Edwards M 17 #372 "Miss T"