When we go sailing, the boat may just push water out of the way (usually called displacement mode), ride on top of its own bow wave (planing) or foil. This week we look at how water resistance effects boatspeed, and what we can do to minimise this resistance.
We sail, we want to sail fast, and the only thing stopping us sailing faster is drag. Drag comes in two main forms. The hull and centreboards creates drag in the water. The Rig creates drag through the air. Water being 1,000 times denser than air by a lot, the drag created by the hull... Continue Reading →
Nobody tells you when you're growing up that "winning" and "success" come at a cost. Â At world level the cost is many times that which anyone outside top sport can imagine. Â It involves the sacrifice of dedication, not for a month or a year, but four years plus to reach anywhere near potential. Â The cost... Continue Reading →
Speed and DRAG Boats are designed to go through the water, and over the past 70 years have been designed to ride ON the water. Over the past 10 years plus they’ve also been designed to fly over the water. These hull designs are termed as displacement (through the water), planing (riding on the water)... Continue Reading →
Go fast or go home! The angle of sailing relative to the wind has a major influence on boat speed; and even more of an influence in catamarans. Faster sailing boats generate apparent wind, the faster the boat moves, the more apparent wind it will generate. Speed allows foils to work better, and consequently to... Continue Reading →
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