Dinghy development: Downwind

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Downwind

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11698
Printed Date: 10 Jul 25 at 11:30am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Downwind

Posted By: AlexM
Subject: Downwind
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 10:21am

Another sailing question:
I’ve been sailing the X1 for a bit now and when sailing on a run with the kite up we very rarely have the spinny pole square to the wind. It’s much more noticeable that the pole is set much further forward than traditional symmetric boats. I should add this is in most wind conditions, but very noticeable when it’s lighter when you’d have the pole more square. Both myself and my crew have sailed Hornets, Fireballs, GP14’s etc. and we’ve both noticed it. Are we generating that much apparent wind? It’s not a problem, just would like to understand what might be happening (and I might have to think about sheeting in the main more!).

Alex

Replies:

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 10:38am

Dead runs are dead slow... The more slippery a boat then the hotter the angle it will be worth sailing.

Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 10:42am

just to be clear, are you saying the kite doesnt set well when square, or that it's faster when further forward?

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the same, but different...

Posted By: AlexM
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 11:05am

The kite won't set were you'd think it should go (i.e flogging), pole needs to be set forward on a run.
The boat it's self is very light for the size and has huge sails so if any boat can generate apparent wind on so little, it'll be this one...?

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 11:41am

Would sound that way. Either that or the kite is cut so full that if the pole is square, the kite is coming so far round it wants to gybe. Not sure balloon kites are popular any more, though.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 11:48am

Originally posted by Rupert

Would sound that way. Either that or the kite is cut so full that if the pole is square, the kite is coming so far round it wants to gybe. Not sure balloon kites are popular any more, though.

Could also be a pole height issue. If it is too high in light winds then the kit will be very difficult to set and keep flying.

that said in light winds a small increase in boat speed and generate 'apparent wind' so dropping the pole forward may help.

the X1/X0 we have at Hunts always drops the pole forward in the light when going DDW and it does seem to fly (by comparison to others).

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 12:21pm

It is still with us, hoping to get out in it very soon so will report back. If anyone is passing and wants to crew/helm, drop me a line.

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the same, but different...

Posted By: AlexM
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 12:35pm

We set the pole quite low in the light stuff, so it seems everyone is coming to the same conclusion as we do.
The thing is, in the light stuff the boat is so deceptive (speed wise), you don't realise how fast you are actually going for the conditions until you look at other boats!

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 12:47pm

Originally posted by AlexM

We set the pole quite low in the light stuff, so it seems everyone is coming to the same conclusion as we do.
The thing is, in the light stuff the boat is so deceptive (speed wise), you don't realise how fast you are actually going for the conditions until you look at other boats!

Having a lot of freeboard doesn't help with that perception!

I remember in my Blaze thinking I was not really going that fast until I overtook a pair of Lasers that were fully on the plane and it seemed like they were standing still.

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: ChrisI
Date Posted: 03 Oct 14 at 2:03pm

With such a power to weight ratio I'm convinced we are into 'apparent wind sailing but in light winds' with the X1, and I'm not surprised therefore that you are heading further away from the DDW course that a traditional heavier symmetric boat would have to follow. (e.g. also... in the light stuff when a puff hits it's very clear the X1 accelerates so fast that the apparent goes forward very quickly)

As usual it is all a compromise of course with the spi, being cut quite full but hopefully not too full i.e. in situations where it is not open still water but tide or current, then heading a bit more DDW in the slack water is helpful rather than pointing up a bit which would be into adverse tide.

As Nessa says, one X0/X1 (i.e. with both rigs) will be staying at Hunts and I hope to be arranging some demos there - please PM me if interested. If you are nearer Manchester then Alex at L&L I am sure will be happy to chat and get you a sail in the boat.