We were in light air, but we went from a deep run, doing just over two knots (over ground), to Wing on Wing, doing just over 4. Why do I see racing boats using spinnakers in light air? Are they not maximizing sail area like I am Wing on Wing?
We were in light air, but we went from a deep run, doing just over two knots (over ground), to Wing on Wing, doing just over 4. Why do I see racing boats using spinnakers in light air? Are they not maximizing sail area like I am Wing on Wing?First off all - "wing on wing" is a slow and unstable point of sail. Unless the wind is strong, you would better VMG on a deep reach.
Obviously, the sail area ( and complexity) is greater with a kite, but the principle is the same. Maximizing the sail area on a downwind reach. Am I missing something?If you have a Yankee 30 mkII, just for an example, your 150% genoa is 381 sq. ft., and a spinnaker is 778 sq. ft. Main and spin would have close to double the sail area of main and genoa.
Don't make me use the M word!Oh, and the goose dies