Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
<br>
<br>(If you want to cut to the chase and see my Question, look below for
<br>the asterisk *)
<br>I have been wondering about an aerodynamics question for a long
<br>time. I have been too lazy to read for the answer, to proud to ask
<br>sailors for the answer, and too embarrassed to ask aeronautical
<br>engineers for the answer.
<br>
<br>Instead going to the source of the theory, I will rather go to the
<br>source of the school of study, trial, and error, ..you, the sailors.
<br>
<br>This question is complex in my little mind. But it may in fact be
<br>simple in your simple mind. Just kidding. But really, it may or may
<br>not even be a legitimate query; it could be beyond simplistic for all
<br>I know.
<br>
<br>Without further delay, here it is:
<br>
<br>As apparent wind speed increases, the sail trim calls for a flatter
<br>sail with the draft position farther forward. As apparent wind angle
<br>decreases, this too calls for the two basic adjustments of draft
<br>position forward and draft depth shallowed.
<br>
<br>*What Is the correlation between decreased depth of draft and decreased
<br>percentage of draft position?
<br>
<br>(*) (in other words) Are there times when you should decrease draft
<br>depth and decrease draft position in different proportions respectful
<br>to one another, than the usual proportion?
<br>
<br>When, where, why?
<br>
<br>I get the impression that when I am driving hard and fast on a beam
<br>reach, that I should have my draft position aft while my sail should be
<br>pretty flat. That is if I am going fast.
<br>
<br>I also get the impression that when I am sailing close to the wind, in
<br>choppy conditions, with much wind, that I should have a lot of draft in
<br>my sail, with the draft position pretty far forward.
<br>
<br>And as usual, if I am going fast in high wind, close to the wind, I
<br>should have the draft position forward while at the same time should
<br>have the draft depth shallow.
<br>
<br>Is depth of draft and position of draft always in corresponding
<br>reference with and to one another?
<br>
<br>I am under the impression that draft position is a lot more delicate of
<br>a setting than is draft depth. I think that depth is a gross tune issue
<br>while positions is a fine tune issue.<br><br>GARY