Is it pretty much a basic principle (all else being equal) that, high freeboard boats can’t be expected to sail as close to the wind as low freeboard boats due to the extra windage from the freeboard?
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Much more a function of standing rigging
and spars, IMHO. Look at the rigs of big boats built to race, multiple short spreaders to keep the shrouds more inboard allowing higher sheeting angles etc.
and spars, IMHO. Look at the rigs of big boats built to race, multiple short spreaders to keep the shrouds more inboard allowing higher sheeting angles etc.
I think
that a high freeboard boat will make more leeway all other things being equal, but pointing ability is more a function of the basic design.
that a high freeboard boat will make more leeway all other things being equal, but pointing ability is more a function of the basic design.
I agree with N and E
I cant remember who it was, some famous boat designer,that stated that hull design (I also think keel)was very significant in pointing ability. I believe the sail plan is also another factor. Tony B
I cant remember who it was, some famous boat designer,that stated that hull design (I also think keel)was very significant in pointing ability. I believe the sail plan is also another factor. Tony B
No, even a blimp should be able to point.
That is if you consider pointing ability to be only the relative angle of attack of the wind on the sails. It is however effected by the rig, the width of the shrouds and spreaders and the distance of the mast from the head-stay fitting. These things affect the sheeting angle. If however, you are talking about the boats ability to go to weather (windward) there is a little difference. Mostly because of the extra windage, which results in a slight loss in forward speed, with an increase in leeway. Other factors which affect forward speed are angle of heel, the amount weather helm, and sail balance. Also the keel depth, it's fineness, whether it's articulating or not, the frontal area of the underbody, the fineness of the entry, the smoothness of the bottom and the turbulence at the transom, and the drag of the propeller. The things in the first paragraph also apply, as do the turbulence around the headfoil and the mast, The proportions of the rig (high aspect rigs go better to weather but poorer off the wind), and of course sail trim, draft placement and many other details. Don't let freeboard alone be a disqualifying factor. You have to look at the whole boat. That being said, pure racing boats have as little windage (freeboard) as possible. Have fun Joe S
That is if you consider pointing ability to be only the relative angle of attack of the wind on the sails. It is however effected by the rig, the width of the shrouds and spreaders and the distance of the mast from the head-stay fitting. These things affect the sheeting angle. If however, you are talking about the boats ability to go to weather (windward) there is a little difference. Mostly because of the extra windage, which results in a slight loss in forward speed, with an increase in leeway. Other factors which affect forward speed are angle of heel, the amount weather helm, and sail balance. Also the keel depth, it's fineness, whether it's articulating or not, the frontal area of the underbody, the fineness of the entry, the smoothness of the bottom and the turbulence at the transom, and the drag of the propeller. The things in the first paragraph also apply, as do the turbulence around the headfoil and the mast, The proportions of the rig (high aspect rigs go better to weather but poorer off the wind), and of course sail trim, draft placement and many other details. Don't let freeboard alone be a disqualifying factor. You have to look at the whole boat. That being said, pure racing boats have as little windage (freeboard) as possible. Have fun Joe S
More Important in high winds!!!!!
It is the total package with more windage being bad for pointing ability. But hull windage is just part of the overall factors involved. As the wind increases you have to reduce sail and then added windage increases in importance. For one thing the amount of sail producing lift is reduced and the other thing is that force increases as the square of the speed. So at twice the windspeed you have four times as much force exerted upon the hull. At some point you may have to reduce sail so much that the hull windage makes going windward impossible. Of course the Bimini and dodger and the dinghy hanging on davits all contribute to windage.
It is the total package with more windage being bad for pointing ability. But hull windage is just part of the overall factors involved. As the wind increases you have to reduce sail and then added windage increases in importance. For one thing the amount of sail producing lift is reduced and the other thing is that force increases as the square of the speed. So at twice the windspeed you have four times as much force exerted upon the hull. At some point you may have to reduce sail so much that the hull windage makes going windward impossible. Of course the Bimini and dodger and the dinghy hanging on davits all contribute to windage.
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