the reason for a loose-footed mainsails

In his latest journal entry Webb Chiles explains the reason for loose-footed sails on Drascombes.

        I once met John Watkinson, the Drascombe designer, and asked him about the loose footed sails.

        He replied:  “I didn’t want to hear the sound of a boom hitting my wife’s head.”

        That is an exact quote.  Not “I didn’t want a boom to hit my wife’s head.”   No.  John didn’t want to hear the sound.

        His wife was present and didn't seem to mind.