[quote=Dogboy]The general rule of thumb is to rake the mast aft for improved upwind performance, but that is very general, and my not apply to your specific boat. You don't mention in your post about what the specific issue is that needs to be improved with the helm, but personally, I would adjust the mast rake so that you have a slight weather helm and then leave it there.
My recommendation for improving upwind performance would be to install and use telltails on both your main and jib, particularly at the top of the main (2nd and 3rd panels from the top). If your boat is not performing upwind as well as you think it should, the first thing I would look at would be sheet tension. If you're not sheeting in all the way and the top 3rd of your mainsail is blown open, the boat isn't going to go upwind. Having telltails at the top of the sail will tell you immediately if you need to sheet in (as well as if you're over-sheeted). Telltails are probably the least expensive and most effective tuning aids you can install on your boat.
Also, don't get too hung up on pointing angle. Upwind performance is all about VMG, not just angle. If you're pointing 3 degrees lower than other boats, but going 25% faster, you'll still have better VMG.
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