Rather than one rule of thumb, doesn't sea state have quite a lot to do with it too? I mean, if you need to head up a little and get out on the trap so the boat takes a better angle to the waves, wouldn't that be faster than sitting in and running the bow into the backside of the waves and slowing on every wave? just curious because where we sail the waves are short, steep and really close together.

Originally Posted by Bob_Curry
NK,

Please engage a few regattas with the F17 racing against a top fleet and tell me what you come up with. It sounds like you sail a F18 in EU where the F17 sailors are way behind in techniques. They will catch up quicker if they read certain posts on this forum.

Let us know what races you plan to attend and provide pics please! Besides, Q: if it's faster then why isn't the USA fleet doing it? A: It's because we tested and saw the light years ago. And that's why we post here; to share the knowledge.

Have a nice day,
Bob wink