Rebecca,
Soave has a fixed 3-blade prop. My PHRF cert gave me 12 seconds per mile for it.
With 4 knots as an average speed… that’s 15 mins per mile
With 4.5 knots as an average speed… that’s 13.3 mins per mile
The difference between 15-13.3 is 1.7 mins or 102 seconds.
I’m hoping folks who get a .5 knot advantage from their folding prop will talk to the phrf handicapper for YRALIS….. because the handicapper says 12 seconds per mile. I got jipped !
The reason why serious racers use the folding props is because having a relatively minor speed advantage opens the door to establish tactical advantages over similarly rated boats.
Folding props have some quirks in reverse, but most folks get used to the quirks.
Once I master sailing Soave, if I continue to race, I’ll probably upgrade. For now I’m still learning plenty with my fixed prop.
Rob….