Debunking Dodgy Sailing Theories

Originally posted by JohnW Originally posted by fudheid Don't you just do the apex turn so you come out next to the mark?? If you come out next to the mark it is not an Apex turn.  I was going to draw a diagram, but this article explains it better than I could: http://www.sailingworld.com/experts/a-better-way-to-round-the-leeward-mark

The article goes on to state that it is when you are tacking after the mark because you keep more speed through the tack putting you ahead and the other yacht on your windward hip. if the two boats round doing an 'apex turn' surely the one who is closest or 'tightest' to the mark has the advantage?

Planing? Isn't that when you overtake your own bow wave and surf down the front?

Originally posted by gbrspratt Originally posted by fudheid Originally posted by JohnW Originally posted by fudheid Don't you just do the apex turn so you come out next to the mark?? If you come out next to the mark it is not an Apex turn.  I was going to draw a diagram, but this article explains it better than I could: http://www.sailingworld.com/experts/a-better-way-to-round-the-leeward-mark  The article goes on to state that it is when you are tacking after the mark because you keep more speed through the tack putting you ahead and the other yacht on your windward hip. if the two boats round doing an 'apex turn' surely the one who is closest or 'tightest' to the mark has the advantage? Totally agree!

Interesting piece that one. Good find. There's a lot of mileage in considering what motorboat designers have to offer in that particular design area: its something they have to think about a lot with other design factors being simpler. .I like the point about speed and wake size: its so obvious you need to include the time factor and yet it hadn't occurred to me...

Originally posted by JohnW I think you you are both missing the point I am making. I agree with you that "wide in tight out"  has tactical advantages when other boats are about, however in the absence of nearby boats the fastest way round the course is doing apex turns.  So if you are in a handicap race and rounding the mark away from other boats,  apex turns will get you a better elapsed time. It the two boats you mention are both doing an apex turn (optimal rate of turn for the boat, with the mark at the apex) then the will both exit the same distance from the mark. You cant do a real apex turn and come out tight to the mark - if you are tight to the mark on exit your apex was downwind of the mark so you sailed further. Despite what you have been told, you will be behind where you would have been if you were not so close to the mark on exit.