Here is what I have found out so far...
I just bought a APC for my Hunter 380 and have only flown it a few times. However, I did use it for my sailing class and flew it with winds between 15 and 20 apparent, maybe more--I was a bit busy to check wind speeds and on the other class it was between 10 and 18 aparent. Since I had 5 or 6 people in each class I had enough hands to fly the chute. In the first class, (heavier winds) we didn't go far enough out in the bay to really go down wind so we spent the late afternoon reaching back and forth in about 20 kts apparent. Very exciting--I'm sure one power boater is going to sell and buy a sail boat just on that experience. I think another person will never leave the power boat sector. Here is what I think I know as of this date. With my wife and Exec. office aboard or by myself, I will fly the chute in under 15 kts anything abaft the beam. With other hands on board, up to 20 to 25 kts. This chute flies from 90 degrees to about 165 or 170 but I think 160 is the best for down wind stuff. To take it down, just go on a reach and hide the chute behind the main. No problems.
