What is the fastest point of sail (not withstanding planing boats on a run)I have read that a beam reach is the fastest; even though it may FEEL faster when close-hauled. Is this correct? Richard
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Polar Plots
Please see the link for a set of polar plots for the J30. Other boats will vary some - spinnaker or not, type of rig. Looks like a broad reach is fastest - at least for the J30. This plot did not seem to include a spinnaker - but I did not check it all that closely. If you can find a polar plot for your boat at a manufacturer or class website, then you will have the answer for your boat.
Please see the link for a set of polar plots for the J30. Other boats will vary some - spinnaker or not, type of rig. Looks like a broad reach is fastest - at least for the J30. This plot did not seem to include a spinnaker - but I did not check it all that closely. If you can find a polar plot for your boat at a manufacturer or class website, then you will have the answer for your boat.
Polars good idea
That's really the only way to know, and some boats are purposely built for improved performance in certain points of sail. A boat that goes upwind very well rarely does extremely well downwind. Think of ocean racers - the Hawaii run is mostly downwind, and you don't see many Cal 40s doing round-the-buoys racing, as just an example. All boats are different. That's what makes 'em so much fun. Stu
That's really the only way to know, and some boats are purposely built for improved performance in certain points of sail. A boat that goes upwind very well rarely does extremely well downwind. Think of ocean racers - the Hawaii run is mostly downwind, and you don't see many Cal 40s doing round-the-buoys racing, as just an example. All boats are different. That's what makes 'em so much fun. Stu
Fastest point of sail
The prettiest point of sail to me is closehauled to close reach. I love to watch sail boats on that point of sail especially when the sails are properly trimmed. My eye is immediately drawn to them. I have a painting by Bob Schoor, who is a noted Laguna Beach artist, hanging on my living room wall. In fact, I can see it from my computer. It helps me answer sail trim questions. It depicts a close reach sloop, with a bit of heel, skimming over the BVI waters with islands in the distance. It is a beautiful sight. If I look at it long enough, I can see it moving through the water with me at the helm!! Seeing myself on the deck in a picture is nothing new to me. The name of my boat is Yankee. In the 40's and 50's the boat Yankee, which was owned by Irving Johnson, was featured in National Geographic. That time period was before TV so I had to amuse myself some way. In my mind, I sailed all over the world with Irving Johnson through the pages of National Geographic. Every boat I've owned has been named Yankee, even high speed jet boats that could do 65 MPH - in reverse!! When I replaced a boat I often thought of changing the name but I always went back to Yankee.
The prettiest point of sail to me is closehauled to close reach. I love to watch sail boats on that point of sail especially when the sails are properly trimmed. My eye is immediately drawn to them. I have a painting by Bob Schoor, who is a noted Laguna Beach artist, hanging on my living room wall. In fact, I can see it from my computer. It helps me answer sail trim questions. It depicts a close reach sloop, with a bit of heel, skimming over the BVI waters with islands in the distance. It is a beautiful sight. If I look at it long enough, I can see it moving through the water with me at the helm!! Seeing myself on the deck in a picture is nothing new to me. The name of my boat is Yankee. In the 40's and 50's the boat Yankee, which was owned by Irving Johnson, was featured in National Geographic. That time period was before TV so I had to amuse myself some way. In my mind, I sailed all over the world with Irving Johnson through the pages of National Geographic. Every boat I've owned has been named Yankee, even high speed jet boats that could do 65 MPH - in reverse!! When I replaced a boat I often thought of changing the name but I always went back to Yankee.
close-hauled reach is fastest
According to this link, close-hauled beam reach is the fastest point of sail..........generally speaking, of course.
According to this link, close-hauled beam reach is the fastest point of sail..........generally speaking, of course.
ooops !!
I typed too fast for my own good. A close-reach is quoted as the fastest point of sail, not close-hauled as I typed.
)
I typed too fast for my own good. A close-reach is quoted as the fastest point of sail, not close-hauled as I typed.
)Hmmm I am not sure I agree with the info
in that link, the physics don't add up for me. I have seen too many polar charts that show that broad reaching is that fastest point of sail...
in that link, the physics don't add up for me. I have seen too many polar charts that show that broad reaching is that fastest point of sail...
Sorry Ron, but that article is incorrect...
The author of that article fails to differentiate between apparent and true wind direction. We all know that as a boat increases its speed its apparent wind direction moves forward giving the appearance of a close reach point of sail, but the true wind would be much further aft. Points of sail are based on true wind direction. Ron, I hope that's not your only source of sailing instruction. Try http://www.ussailing.org or purchase a quality publication such as "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship"
The author of that article fails to differentiate between apparent and true wind direction. We all know that as a boat increases its speed its apparent wind direction moves forward giving the appearance of a close reach point of sail, but the true wind would be much further aft. Points of sail are based on true wind direction. Ron, I hope that's not your only source of sailing instruction. Try http://www.ussailing.org or purchase a quality publication such as "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship"
Reach for a Broad
Broad Reach is fastest. Check the math, speak to racers, try it on your boat. Broad Reach...end of discussion, final. Now go sailing!
Broad Reach is fastest. Check the math, speak to racers, try it on your boat. Broad Reach...end of discussion, final. Now go sailing!
Anyone have Polar Plots for a C27??
Anyone have or ever seen polars for a Catalina 27?? Fair winds, and some sunshine for a change. Bill
Anyone have or ever seen polars for a Catalina 27?? Fair winds, and some sunshine for a change. Bill
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