Krycek
Member
Sooo... this is spawning after a heated bar debate with a buddy while discussing tactics for the upcoming frostbiting season...
Say one sails with a specific fleet that tends to run a lot of windward/leeward courses over a day of racing. Now, is it faster to go directly downwind or is is quicker to gybe several times and broad reach to the leeward gate.
Several years of college physics tells me that there as benefits to both. While running directly downwind you are sailing the shorter path. However, you are also minimizing air flow over the sail, thus going slower. Conversely, while reaching there is more air flow, thus more lift and an increase in boatspeed. However, is the increase enough to make up for the longer course from the people sailing "as the crow flys?"
I can see that it would be the most beneficial to reach and gybe in light air as opposed to heavy air. Infact, I can see boatspeed to windspeed being inversely perportional as the breeze comes on.
I dunno... I'm going to try it tomarrow and see if I can see a difference. I just wanted to know if anyone out there has any words of wisdom on this topic...
thanks!!!
Jon
Say one sails with a specific fleet that tends to run a lot of windward/leeward courses over a day of racing. Now, is it faster to go directly downwind or is is quicker to gybe several times and broad reach to the leeward gate.
Several years of college physics tells me that there as benefits to both. While running directly downwind you are sailing the shorter path. However, you are also minimizing air flow over the sail, thus going slower. Conversely, while reaching there is more air flow, thus more lift and an increase in boatspeed. However, is the increase enough to make up for the longer course from the people sailing "as the crow flys?"
I can see that it would be the most beneficial to reach and gybe in light air as opposed to heavy air. Infact, I can see boatspeed to windspeed being inversely perportional as the breeze comes on.
I dunno... I'm going to try it tomarrow and see if I can see a difference. I just wanted to know if anyone out there has any words of wisdom on this topic...
thanks!!!
Jon