westsail 32

[puddinlegs]

With all due respect, Jeff has an incredible base of knowledge and has written eloquently on a number of topics, but also has very strong opinions about particular designs. The argument about the Westsail doesn't differentiate between home built, particially home built, and production models, a la the 'someone put concrete in the keel so they're all bad'. 'IOR rule generated designs are all lousy' is another favorite, and while true for many boats, cannot be applied universally by any means.

Like any boat, if it works for your budget, fits your 'narrative', you love looking at it in the slip or on the hook, and you find a well constructed well cared for example, you'll be happy whether its a Westsail 32, a Rhodes 19, or a TP 52.

[GBurton]

Originally Posted by puddinlegs

With all due respect, Jeff has an incredible base of knowledge and has written eloquently on a number of topics, but also has very strong opinions about particular designs. The argument about the Westsail doesn't differentiate between home built, particially home built, and production models, a la the 'someone put concrete in the keel so they're all bad'. 'IOR rule generated designs are all lousy' is another favorite, and while true for many boats, cannot be applied universally by any means.

Like any boat, if it works for your budget, fits your 'narrative', you love looking at it in the slip or on the hook, and you find a well constructed well cared for example, you'll be happy whether its a Westsail 32, a Rhodes 19, or a TP 52.

And that is precisely why the misinformation Jeff has posted has to be corrected. His opinion carries a lot of weight around here and what he has posted about the W32's sailing characteristics is just plain wrong.
And this W32 was home built.

[sailingfool]

Originally Posted by GBurton

Here is some actual real world information about the light air performance of the W-32. These pictures were taken in Puget sound last month. The pictures show the sail configuration and the apparent wind conditions, as well as the speed of the boat through the water.

Yikes, you can try to beat the drum for reasons to like these vessels, but sailing performance certainly is not the road to take with any credibility. To reference an independent authority, PHRFNE PHRF New England - Handicapping - Base Handicaps rates the W32 at 222, classing it as a few seconds faster than a Hunter 25.

[GBurton]

Originally Posted by sailingfool

Yikes, you can try to beat the drum for reasons to like these vessels, but sailing performance certainly is not the road to take with any credibility. To reference an independent authority, PHRFNE PHRF New England - Handicapping - Base Handicaps rates the W32 at 222, classing it as a few seconds faster than a Hunter 25.

Please post similar pictures for a better performing cruising sailboat in similar wind conditions

[puddinlegs]

Originally Posted by sailingfool

Yikes, you can try to beat the drum for reasons to like these vessels, but sailing performance certainly is not the road to take with any credibility. To reference an independent authority, PHRFNE PHRF New England - Handicapping - Base Handicaps rates the W32 at 222, classing it as a few seconds faster than a Hunter 25.

Two boats with very different narratives. While the Westsail is not a boat I would consider for myself, given the choice to cross an ocean in that or a Hunter 25, well yeah, I think most here would chose the Westsail, no?

[puddinlegs]

Originally Posted by GBurton

Please post similar pictures for a better performing cruising sailboat in similar wind conditions

Saga 43, Cal 39, etc.... It's great to see you out sailing your boat with enough sail area to make it go, but realistically, most heavy displacement cruising boat owners aren't going to invest in the canvas and patience to rig and fly a symmetrical spinnaker, etc... that you have.

[GBurton]

Originally Posted by puddinlegs

Saga 43, Cal 39, etc.... It's great to see you out sailing your boat with enough sail area to make it go, but realistically, most heavy displacement cruising boat owners aren't going to invest in the canvas and patience to rig and fly a symmetrical spinnaker, etc... that you have.

Pictures please. Remember that this is a 32' boat.

That is not my W32.. but here is a picture of my W32 leading a race...IN LIGHT AIR

[GBurton]

Originally Posted by puddinlegs

Saga 43, Cal 39, etc.... It's great to see you out sailing your boat with enough sail area to make it go, but realistically, most heavy displacement cruising boat owners aren't going to invest in the canvas and patience to rig and fly a symmetrical spinnaker, etc... that you have.

Aaahh so its the person sailing the boat that makes the difference...?
I agree.

[sailingfool]

Originally Posted by GBurton

Please post similar pictures for a better performing cruising sailboat in similar wind conditions

Seems like a discussion not worth having...

[CrazyRu]

Why on earth anyone want to handle sailarea of modern 50 footer on 32 ft platform? I mean, isn't sailing about relaxing underway?