I'm a new Hunter owner of a 23' 1986 wing keel and want my boat to point to windward as much as possible. Presently it points only 60 degrees. Is it possible to point higher? How?
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Sure is!!
There are several factors that affect pointing. Sail condition; flatter sails point higher and are more efficient Mast rake; the angle that the mast leans back. The further back the higher you can point. This comes with a price. Weather helm will increase at the same time. (here again sail shape is a huge factor) Drag; the condition of the bottom and foils along with the prop also affect pointing. The smoother and more efficient the bottom the higher you will point. Put all of these things together and you can significantly increase both your boat speed and pointing.
There are several factors that affect pointing. Sail condition; flatter sails point higher and are more efficient Mast rake; the angle that the mast leans back. The further back the higher you can point. This comes with a price. Weather helm will increase at the same time. (here again sail shape is a huge factor) Drag; the condition of the bottom and foils along with the prop also affect pointing. The smoother and more efficient the bottom the higher you will point. Put all of these things together and you can significantly increase both your boat speed and pointing.
Shoal Draft Pointing
Another factor for a shoal draft boat to point better is to sail flat and avoid too much heel, even if you need to reduce sail area to do so. If you have a hand held GPS you can trim your sails and check the GPS for your leeway and actual course.
Another factor for a shoal draft boat to point better is to sail flat and avoid too much heel, even if you need to reduce sail area to do so. If you have a hand held GPS you can trim your sails and check the GPS for your leeway and actual course.
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