the ideal heel angle

[Dave Roller]

I am a long-time laser sailor with a new Hunter 240 for family cruising. I the ideal angle ofThe boat is tender even at low wind speeds. Can someone tell me what is the optimum angle of heel we should aim at for efficent and enjoyable sailing? I am used to keeping the laser flat as possible but am unsure here. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[David Foster]

10 to 20 degrees

Carl Romig, my instructor at Adventure Plus in Sandusky, OH said that few sailboats add any speed by heeling beyond 20 degrees.Experience and discussions here point out that shallow draft boats (like our h27) or light, water ballasted boats (like the 240) and many other hunter designs do best at 15 degrees or under for different reasons.In my Sunfish racing days, the rule was "sail her flat!" But I often planed the Sunfish, as you did the laser. Many displacement hulls lengthen their water line length and speed potential with some heel.Finally, the Admiral is comfortable at 15 degrees, and uncomfortable at 20. Need I say more??DavidLady Lillie

 

[Ray Bowles]

I had heard that 10 is pushing the limit.

Our h26 is also water ballasted and is tender. It will not heel anywhere near (even remotely) is much as my brother-in-laws Erickson 27. We found the boat had better performance reefed rather than heeled.

 

[Bob Rutland]

Heel

Flat is fast! When in doubt..let it out!Easy the sheets, reef early, and keep her under 20 degrees and you will be fast and comfortable. Good Luck,  Bob S/V Lady Di II H31