Cruising Sailors Forum Archive
I didn't mention stability
In Response To: For me, it's oversimple: What wind speed does a sailboat come alive? ()
You can have an SA/D of 30 based on measured sail area, but if the boat can't stand up to its sails, you'll be reefing in 5 knots of wind.
Then again, if you have an SA/D of 12 and lots of stability, you could be roaring along at hull speed in a gale under full sail sipping cocktails while other boats around you are reefed to the headboard and ducking for cover.
Lots of moving parts.
But -- like you say, Tom, it's all about how you get the boat moving and keep it moving. Your stories about ghosting along under your new mainsail are classic. One of the best investments you made in your boat . . . yes?
Messages In This Thread
- keel question for Todd Dunn (anyone feel free to chime in)
- Cut away forefoot and deadwood, fin keel and skeg rudder is a great combo in my experience.
- SA/D, horsepower, will tell you a lot about a boat.
- Craig C -- I'm confused
- A couple of quick comments
- There are a lot of factors -- not the least of which is that there's no "bright line" of tubbiness
- Balance can be achieved many ways ;^)))
- SA/D is only part of the story
