Would like to understand some things about cruising speed as related to boat length. While I understand hull speed and how that tends to limit the boat speed, does length have anything to do with boat speed when both boats are sailing at considerably less speed than their hull speed?
Here is the context: I was sailing in fairly light winds and probably cruising at ~3 knots. Hull speed is 5 knots, so I am no where near the hull speed limit. I am way over sailed for the boat weight and have nearly the same sail area as boats weighing 3 times as much. 184 sq ft 950 lbs full batton main. Sails were trimmed well - meaning I was not having to spill wind to keep from excessive heeling. Under these conditions, I watched a larger Hunter just pull away from me, seemed like he was going about 3 times as fast.
I always assumed that hull speed was for the most part, a "soft" limit, rather than something that dramatically effects the boat at all speeds?
Here is the context: I was sailing in fairly light winds and probably cruising at ~3 knots. Hull speed is 5 knots, so I am no where near the hull speed limit. I am way over sailed for the boat weight and have nearly the same sail area as boats weighing 3 times as much. 184 sq ft 950 lbs full batton main. Sails were trimmed well - meaning I was not having to spill wind to keep from excessive heeling. Under these conditions, I watched a larger Hunter just pull away from me, seemed like he was going about 3 times as fast.
I always assumed that hull speed was for the most part, a "soft" limit, rather than something that dramatically effects the boat at all speeds?