[Re: [MHml] Exceeding Wind Speed]

[Tom Speer]

brian eiland wrote:
> 
> ...it appears as though most of
> these exceptions that are now being posted have to do with craft reaching
> higher multiples of wind speed at relatively low speeds. Its much harder to
> talk of a 110 cat which must be capable of surviving 50,60,70 kt storms ever
> reaching these multiples of speed...

High boatspeed/windspeed ratios are obtained in lighter winds. 
In landyachts, I've clocked yachts at 5X in light winds and in
heavy winds (say 30 kt) the top ratio drops to more like 3X or
less.

As I recall your original question, it had to do with whether or
not a sailing craft could in principle sail faster than the
wind.  The answer is yes.  I don't doubt that the boats for The
Race can sail faster than the wind; indeed I think that's a
reasonable criterion for deciding what one would consider a "high
performance" sailing craft.  Now whether they can hit 2X or 3X is
a matter of the design tradeoffs you mention.  I don't think 2X
in light conditions would be out of the question.

Cheers,

-- 
Tom Speer
tspeer at gte.net
http://home1.gte.net/tspeer
fax: +1 206 878 5269