What Is 'Light Wind Performance' Really?

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by Stillraining

A code 0 might just be a good sail to have around here as well for upwind dead air days which we have allot of in the summer around here.

If the thing in the slings is your boat then rather you are looking for a light overlaping genoa and an MPR perhaps. A Code 0 you might have problems shaping it up and the hull shape in your boat is not one that would add to building up speed which are essentials in Code 0 sailing.

Also, it will probably be cheaper and more versatile to go for a dacron G + a nylon MPR since Code 0s are built from high-tec, low stretch fabricks that do cost a bit (and Code 0 becomes less than perfect once sailing off the wind).

That's from a cruiser's mid-displ perspective.

b.

[Stillraining]

LOL...Ya...That "THING"...is my boat alrright...

Wow you are really talking over my head..MPR?

I figured a Coade 0 might be a little hokey on a ketch....probably a 150 would be about max.

Im not trying to make the boat something its not..just dont know what I dont know is all.

Heres another couple pictures of my thing...

[barnakiel]

Nice boat. Big. Ketch. Probably where I would be if I had known how big the waves could get out there ;-)))

Attached pic is us testing our MPR in Bay of Islands:


Cheers,
b.

[roger.waite]

Originally Posted by Joli

I't really a question without answers ...

As Joli says. The answer certainly varies with the context, so some good relies here. A few more for the list ...

[1] Sailing notably faster than most other boats, in 2-10 knot winds.
[2] Still making good ground when the rest of the fleet is motoring.
[3] Reaching hull speed well below winds needed by other boats.

A boat with good light wind performance will generally do all well.

Excellence is kicking the a** of the 40 footers that line me up!
(Or does that just feel excellent?)

[Stillraining]

Originally Posted by swagman

Above 10 from forward and the sail would blow out as we reached same speeds and apparent became 20.

Played with it once poled out in 25 knots from behind - and felt lucky we got it down in one piece. Treated it with respect ever since.

Re you considering a spinnnaker. Always good to have one in the bag but if you've got 3 to 4 kots true off wind then the reality is a regular set of white sails shaped up correctly will probably work better than a spinnaker. If the true wind from behind nudges you to 2 knots, the wind will swing to your front and if the sails are not set to use it - you'll stop - and it all starts over once more. Hard yakka.

Set your white sails as if you are reaching (despite light wind from behind), ease every adjustment you can lay a hand on, take weight from the boom, set all weight to leeward to allow sails to shape up etc, and once any wind from behind nudges you forward the wind goes forward - and whilst it will be be apparent and less than true, it will continue to work driving you forward consistently.

Enjoy.

JOHN

So much to learn yet ...

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by roger.waite

As Joli says. The answer certainly varies with the context, so some good relies here. A few more for the list ...

[1] Sailing notably faster than most other boats, in 2-10 knot winds.
[2] Still making good ground when the rest of the fleet is motoring.
[3] Reaching hull speed well below winds needed by other boats.

A boat with good light wind performance will generally do all well.

Excellence is kicking the a** of the 40 footers that line me up!
(Or does that just feel excellent?)

I get a kick out of shaming motoring boats into hoisting sails when I PASS them under sail.

Around here (PNW) it happens a lot.