[souljour2000]

I am inclined to agree with alot of this article by Jeff from a technical side as his explanations are detailed and demonstrate a firm knowledge of physics and boat design history but IMHO I am unsure of his conclusions in support of blunt bows, massive sail plans and aft buoyancy etc.. ... whether or not the new Open-class or other fat and plumb stemmed type boats are more comfortable for their crews still is the question only individual sailing conditions can answer...as it seems that the new boat are obviously faster and so their crews may experience more short term discomfort but may be sipping gin in the port tavern having arrived quickly while the guys in the old IOR boat are still "comfortably numb in a different fashion 50 miles offshore. Seems it will remain a "different horses for different courses" argument....but it is also lamentable that so few sailnetters have ever chimed in more on this older but quite relevant thread and it's subject matter... ...Morgan in Sw Florida