Have I missed something? I thought a broad reach was the fastest point of sail and the spinaker would let you bring some, but not all, of that speed downwind for max vmg.

Inquiring minds. . . <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

it definitely is on taticat

Sorry Dudes, it's now SAILX.COM!!

I think its the most efficient point of sail with the potential to be fastest if there is enough wind.

Darryn
Mozzie
1782

More sail = more drag, but better VMG, particularly a spinnaker.

Max speed reached on a 2 sail reach....... So Pete, you are correct.

Now I am totally confused. I have always been told that a BEAM reach is the fastest point of sail in terms of pure speed. Isn't that what they do for all the record speed runs? And they don't use spinnakers, of course. If a boat could go faster on a broad reach with a spinnaker, why wouldn't they be doing that to set records?

For sailing to a downwind destination, and tacking downwind, a spinnaker might get you to your destination faster, but it is not because the boat is going as fast as it can go.

Am I wrong?

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I actually meant beam reach.

Mary has it right,

Best straight line speed on a beam reach w/ maximum apparent wind added to true wind. My favorite thing to do on the H16.

Hi all,

I looked in my recorded gps track logs. The point of highest speed on my Javeline 16 is certainly broad reach with and without hooter. However on my Dart 18 I got about the same speed on both courses. On the classic Tornado, the fastest course seems to be a bit deeper than beam reach. But I have loged the Tornado only one time.

Does speed runs require sailing the same route in both directions?

Cheers,

Klaus

Nope,
Most of the purpose built boats trying to break the 50knot record are one trick ponies, they are set up to only go one way.

Bill

And that is why Hydroptere is so bloody interesting; as that is not build as an one trick pony.

It doesn't require lab like conditions to make its speed runs.

Wouter

Hi
I agree Hydroptere is a beauty I hope they make it as it is a real boat. Not running on puddles, 50m in the lee of a sand spit or one way ditches going nowhere. If we are going to go faster it has to be practical. Group Amma also have a great boat. Watch some of the video of how the daggers lift the hulls. They have the 24h record 33.08 knt average over 24hrs thats flying.
ELL

http://youtube.com/watch?v=t_w3k5PuJOA

Hydroptere video @ 41.2 kts