What to do? What to do?
Sorry, but I have to disagree with HP on this. Though I do agree that your speed-over-ground will likely improve by going broader since, as we all know, dead downwind is the slowest point-of-sail. Here's my attempt to explain: The answer to the question of weather to go deeper, or more broad for speed, is quite complicated. So much so that it's safe to say that the question must be asked and answered specifically during each downwind situation, as you sail. This because wave and surf action, current, tide, distance, amount and directional consistency of air, how much sail you carry, how your boat is rigged, etc., etc., etc. all play a role. Then beyond all these variables, when you go less deep to gain speed, you're sailing more off the rhumbline and therefore have more distance to cover just to breakeven on your time to reach the mark. There's a complex formula that will uncover the breakeven point (programmed into your GPS) but the short answer is to experiment a little bit, while at the same time closely watching your VMG, to see what results each course change (and proper sail) trim provides. In closing, I will say this. In my experience, a compromise point-of-sail usually turns out to be the best course. That means you'll want to use a whisker pole. A whisker pole never hurts performance abaft-the-beam, as they say, and from about 140-150 degress on (again, it depends on the boat and the sail cut) it's a big winner except (maybe) in heavy air. That's why the racers flying gennakers all have and use 'em. Don't mean to be a know-it-all - just trying to add color. Good sailing! Rodger s/v Attitude Adjustment
