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Old 01-19-2004
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Does Sailor''''s Weight & Height Play a Part in Sailing Faster?

At least in terms of racing height and weight can matter....

Most boats have an ideal weight for any particualr wind condition or particular position on a boat. Light crews do better in light winds while heavier crews do better in a blow. Helmsmen and Foredeck crews are ideally light and moderately tall. Sheet trimmers and tacticians should be light and strong so that they can leave the rail and make adjustments without too harsh a penalty. Winch grinders who spend much of their time on the rail are ideally strong and heavy.

In racing dinghies, a tall person at near maximum weight has more righting moment than a shorter lighter person.

And so on....


Jeff
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