While I will probably never be fast. I do hope to reduce my time schlogging about on Lanier and spend more time planing.
This is an interesting article that explains the forces and resistance dealing with Windsurfing.
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While I will probably never be fast. I do hope to reduce my time schlogging about on Lanier and spend more time planing.
This is an interesting article that explains the forces and resistance dealing with Windsurfing.
Langdon's article is a great read and buried inside is the answer to the foil/conventional board question everyone asks.
The drag of a planing board is pretty much the same irrespective of speed (although, drag of the fin varies with speed). The drag of a foil, like the fin, rises with speed. So, at lower board speeds, the foil has less drag which is why they fly with smaller sails in the same wind. But, as the board speed rises, there's more and more drag and, for now, the wall for foils is around 30 knots. In the article, they also discuss why the wall for planing boards is around 52-53 knots.
If you like to geek out, it's enjoyable.
If I understand it correctly...
Winds <20 mph- course is 120 degrees for speed.
Winds 20 - 50mph - course is 150 degrees for speed
Going to need a tow back upwind for that 150 degree course or spend a long time squeaking back upwind on a small board.
Or... a one way trip from Vanns to VP on a N/NE
Downwinder! You in Webguy?
Thanks for distilling that so succinctly. I looked at all those words and diagrams with the circles and arrows and I thunk, "That's not gonna help me sail any better". It's a lost cause.
I'm always up for an adventure.
When it's blowing that hard, it's easier to get back upwind. If you are rigged for speed, you'll have plenty of power for sailing close to the wind - and conversely, rigging big enough to go upwind usually means downwinds are eye opening.
--- The Arrogant Jerk: Crabby and irritable since 1998.