Sailing downwind

  • Thread starter St. Johns River Sailors
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St. Johns River Sailors

Our boat, Quicksilver, sails really well close to the wind...but does poorly downwind. Any suggestions? We have a 140 Genoa. We sailed in the Mug Race and did well untill the wind was at our backs. Other boats in the race seemed to do much better than our boat. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, S.R.
 
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Justin - O'day Owner's Web

Liberal application of Canvass oughta fix it

SR, Running downwind its all about canvass. And not a little bit about hull condition. As you may know, beating into the wind the sails act like wings and are fairly efficient at producing motive power. In most wind conditions, the sails will produce more power than the boat can really use. This is why on most displacement cruisers you hit hull speed at relatively low wind speeds but don't go a whole lot faster no matter how hard it blows. Downwind, however, the sails basically get pushed along at the windspeed and not a whole lot more. (Ignore for the moment sailing by the lee and other dinghy tricks to go down wind faster). The equation come down to drag. You need to put up enough canvass to overcome the boat's drag, and the whole contraption will blow down wind at up to the windspeed. This is why bottom condition can zap you on the runs. So, wing that jib. If you don't have the rig for a chute, consider an asym. Be very smooth with the rudder to reduce drag. Ease cunningham, vang, outhaul, and sheets to create pockets in the sails and catch more air. And remember, sail your own race. Some go up wind better, some go down wind better. Your rating already accounts for it. Justin - O'day Owner's Web
 
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