Points of Sail

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AWD_Tiger's picture
AWD_Tiger
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Joined: 04/26/2018 - 15:50
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Points of Sail

While sailing with Langdon last week, I realized that i may need to alter my sailing technique for windsurfing (vs sailboat). On my Force 5 sailboat is quite fun to sail close hauled and hike out. However on the windsurfer, my back was barking at me for sailing close hauled. Langdon suggested bearing off a bit.. huge difference!

So my question is, (forgetting navigation for the moment) what are the ideal points of sail for windsurfing? Broad reach?

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webguy
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Joined: 12/31/2000 - 22:01
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Re: Points of Sail

If I understand your question correctly, what is the optimal point of sail for speed?
Generally, speed runs are done about 125-140 degrees off the wind. Luderitz (where most speed records are set) is oriented for 140 degrees off.

Around here most of us do about 80-90 degrees because so many of us "mow the lawn" or "BAF" (back and forth) Biggrin (yeah, me too a lot) It's a bit higher than just 90 because we lose ground downwind because most of us jibe our shortboards. If I'm trying to stay upwind, I will tack my 116l board but I haven't really nailed the tacks on the smaller boards. Pro wave sailors will tack an 85 l board to stay upwind while competing in a heat with the same ease that we tack longboards.

To your observations - yes, we foot off more than other boats (like Hobies) because, at lower speeds, we have comparatively less foil under the water. Powered up, longboards can run pretty high to the wind. If way overpowered, even a small short board (80-90l with 25cm fin) will go upwind surprisingly well. More than a couple of times, I've found myself way upwind on a big day and had to hunt for lulls to speed back from Forsyth to Hall Co.

If you like being in the hiking straps on the Force 5, you'll love being in the harness and straps flying along on a board. The good news is that your thighs won't be burning.

If anyone wants to geek out, pdf with lots of formulas (the math kind): http://mauiultrafins.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/How_fast_can_we_go_25_04_2017.edited-1.pdf

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FoilDodo
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AWD_Tiger
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Joined: 04/26/2018 - 15:50
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Re: Points of Sail

Thanks for the detailed response! It was very helpful to follow someone else around to get an idea of what i'm doing wrong. I hope to make it out Sunday and get some more pointers.

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FoilDodo
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Joined: 03/19/2008 - 23:50
Posts: 2738
Re: Points of Sail

I learned to sail in a Sunfish and Lightning and later owned a Snipe. Good clean fun but I eventually hated hiking. Trapezing on a catamaran is cool but I still have a scar from taking that big ride all the way around the front on a near pitchpole. Uncoated stays are like a cheese slicer! Shok

One of the most pleasant feelings for me on a longbored is working upwind, railing the board to leeward so that you’re lifted by the centerboard and fin. If you’re comfortable using a harness, with everything setup right, it’s effortless. It’s fun to work upwind in lighter air and when it fills in, retract the centerboard, move the mast back and bear way off on a wild ride in the reaching straps... easy to make 25 mph once you get the hang of it! The angle might be 130º or more, but you're still close hauled with the apparent wind so far forward.

Equipe/9.5 cruising upwind at Shell Point and reaching (7.5) at Old Fed:

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webguy
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Randy
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Joined: 05/05/2002 - 10:38
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Re: Points of Sail

I kind of liked railing more than planing. Takes less wind, and is very fun.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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