Flown alongside a symmetrical spinnaker, the blooper was popular and legal during IOR days when mains were high aspect. Besides offering sail area, IOR boats were a bit squarely downwind and bloopers helped to provide balance. They also kept people busy, giving jobs to hands that are now idle in the sprit boat era.

Kialoa III – © Guy Gurney

Bravura – © Larry Moran

Bravura – © Larry Moran

Edge – © Larry Moran

Secret Love – © Larry Moran

Thunderbolt with Murphy’s Law in background – © Larry Moran