Do asymmetrics lift the bows on cats?

I think Stuart O is right on this. Although I have only had one outing on my Shadow X the difference in downhill handling is very different to the original set up. The addition of the pole and larger spinnaker really feels like the pressure is much further forward and 'lifting' the bows whereas the other set up tends to want to show you the fishes mighty quickly if you get caught out. The new set up powers up very quickly but so smoothly and feels better balanced fore and aft. My only outing so far was right at the end of last year in around 12kts rising to nearer 20 later on. I tried heading up more than was necessary to see what would happen and I think the leeward bow would eventually dig in but nothing like as quickly as the old setup.

Bets bet Stewart is to give it a try. The Shadow pole is 3m if you're looking to try a similar rig.