Aerorig on a Thunderbird 26?

It is not rocket science, or even naval architecture to know that a big genoa will have more power than a small jib! The question was, "Are you saying an overlapping genoa is a better light air/choppy upwind rig than an equal area (ie, taller) non overlapping rig?"

Equally self evident, although the big heavy keel on the Thunderbird would reduce the impact of the slight heeling moment increase from a taller unstayed rig. Especially as the cog of an unstayed ballestron rig is lower than that of a stayed rig.

As usual when you are dissing unstayed rigs, you neglect to mention the "issues" of your alternative, in this case for overlapping genoas: storage, sail changing, extra halyard, tacking, high sheet loads and safety for example. As well as operating in vastly less wind in light air than the extra height of the taller rig with small headsail.

Interesting concept, but a heavy structure that would be hard to control. Sails need rigid or supported leading edges to go upwind well.