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1)I understand a Beam Reach as going 90 to the wind.
There would not be wind from behind

Question: Is that true wind or apparent wind?

(Assuming constant winds)
If it is true wind, than once you are at max speed, sails are set and your just crusing right?

If a beam reach is 90 to the apparent wind, wouldn't you just keep going in circles? As the apparent wind changes you have to change course to stay 90 to it <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />


Beam reach is defined as 90 to TRUE.

No, you will not go in circles as, as you bear off, the appaernt moves back ast, yes you MIGHT continute to accelerate and so the apparent mores forwards again, but you cannot keep on bearing off and keep accelerating; at some point friction overtakes you and you cannot bear off any more.

F16 - GBR 553 - SOLD

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