Through the water or over ground? I hit 9 knots through the water for about a nano second while coming down the face of a wave. Full sail and about 16 knots apparent wind over the stern. As the wave passed we dipped about 3’ of boom in the water. When the sail cleared the water I spotted a 15’ log about 10’ ahead of the boom. A close call. Mark
Ron and Mark,
You guys are what puts the excitement in sailing. I may try for that but I doubt I will ever achieve it.
Brian
We sailed 8.3 miles in 1 hour 6 minutes and 42 seconds… we were racing. So, there were definitely times over 9 knots to make up for the ones under 7. The waves were a good size for surfing and after we finished we rounded up to drop the sail an it was blowing 22 knots. My speedo isn’t working right so neither is the wind sensor while under way and I find with it in front if the mast like it is it does’t read right anyway.
Yes, we won.
RonB.
Cool!
-- Bob
I believe it - I’ve sailed 'LOON ’ a NS 260 and was amazed at the average boat speed. Easy 7k with jumps into the 8k range. Remarkable boats
The boat was pretty controlled. Definitely a couple of round up moments. The tiller really lets you know exactly what is going on and when it’s happy. When it’s not it takes a firm hand to bring the bow down but the big rudder is up to the task. Being able to twist the sail more would be a good thing. Not sure how to do that without great complications. Had a ball and was ready for a couple beers afterwards.
RonB.
We sailed Aloki to a winter spot a few years ago on a broad reach and encountered a 20/25k apparent wind on the stbd quarter. Was a stiff heavy ,stable wind. We had already reefed down to a second reef and wondered why we didn’t have a third available. ( we do now) and made surprising hull speed.
Point of this note is that we began to sail by the Lee in order prevent the need for a jibe ( we used the engine and ‘tacked’ around when needed as jibing was too concerning) . We noticed that sailing 15/30 degrees by the lee flattened out the rolling and we proceeded like a dreadnaught , flat on her lines. No rolling or boom dipping into the water.
We did that by chance and later in speaking to a NA he concurred that we effectively changed the center of effort and the result was expected. ( not by me !) it’s worth experimenting with but maybe in lighter stable air.
Yes, sailing by the Lee is a nonsuch secret weapon. Only works on certain points of sail obviously but it sure works. On Sunday when we were in the race we were DDW and pointed at the finish with the sail eased out all the way… Down to one wrap on the winch and then through the self tailer jaws. No more sheet available.
If I disconnect the 2-1 sheet and go to 1-1 I can let it out further but wasn’t keen on that in those conditions.