More comparisons
The capsize ratio for the Venture 24 is no worse than most other boats her size (Catalina 22 is 2.53). The Macgregor 26C has a 2.24 and the 26X has a (very acceptable) 1.93 ratio. While below 2 is considered safe for coastal cruising, the capsize ratio is only one meteric to consider. What is the capsize ratio? Well it's neither an indication of self-righting ability nor heeling angle nor any other static stability. What it is is a relative tendency for the boat to roll over (capsize) when hit abeam with a large wave. The simple formula models empircal data from experiments. It is based on the dynamic forces of wave action timing and leverage provided with a wider beam versus the momentum due to the boat's mass. That's why even adding weight to the top of the mast will give a better capsize ratio (better dynamic stability) while decreasing the static stability. A boat that rolls slower (narrower beam and more weight) has a better chance that the wave will pass before the heel angle is past the point of recovery. Why was it invented? The capsize ratio was developed after a disaster as mentioned in Dave's link; the 1979 Fastnet Race storm in the Irish Sea where 15 sailors drowned and 75 boats flipped: (story on related link below) Fastnet Racing rules of the time pushed boat designers to the point of danger (wide and light). To sum up: With a capsize ratio of 2.47 you should not venture into the open ocean. More calcs and comparisons: http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html Happy sails *_/), MArk
