tmh900
Well-Known Member
You wouldn't be able to steer when drifting (i.e. not sailing), so I hope its a straight river!
A Quick Sailing Question.
- Thread starter Alistairr
- Start date
aluijten
Well-Known Member
But that's only assuming the boat speed downstream will still be 10 knots because of the current. In other words your VMG vector will add up to the 10 knots. My bet however is that because of inefficiency the actual speed downstream will decrease for most boats. This may or may not be compensated by the lift generated by the sails. My guess it's not. afternoon the boatspeed will be 10 knots as 'everything' ( both wind and current) are moving the boat forward.
dombuckley
Well-Known Member
I sailed on the non-tidal Thames for 20 years, and saw this situation myself several times (albeit with streams more like about 3 knots after winter rain).
On several occasions, with strong current and light wind from the same direction, the only way to get a race in was to tow the boats upstream and let them race back to the club. Most of the time, they would effectively drift with the current, their sails slack. But in those areas where you would expect the wind to be blocked by trees, housboats or buildings, the more perceptive sailors would find a small headwind: they would start tacking for a short while before running out of the influence, but would always gain a commanding lead over those who just drifted.
So, you'll go faster when there is a difference between water and wind speed.
Not theory, practical evidence.
On several occasions, with strong current and light wind from the same direction, the only way to get a race in was to tow the boats upstream and let them race back to the club. Most of the time, they would effectively drift with the current, their sails slack. But in those areas where you would expect the wind to be blocked by trees, housboats or buildings, the more perceptive sailors would find a small headwind: they would start tacking for a short while before running out of the influence, but would always gain a commanding lead over those who just drifted.
So, you'll go faster when there is a difference between water and wind speed.
Not theory, practical evidence.
jac
Well-Known Member
I'm just concerned that one or other boats may get delayed by
a) misunderstood coll regs about a disabled minesweeper trawling for fish and giving a pilot a lift
b) some confusion over the best anchor to use to stop themselves at the end of the 10 mile drift
c) which ensign to wear as they pass the two clubs they are members off and that are exactly opposite each other on different banks but the boat is closer to the junior clubs shore.
Don't think i've missed anything.
a) misunderstood coll regs about a disabled minesweeper trawling for fish and giving a pilot a lift
b) some confusion over the best anchor to use to stop themselves at the end of the 10 mile drift
c) which ensign to wear as they pass the two clubs they are members off and that are exactly opposite each other on different banks but the boat is closer to the junior clubs shore.
Don't think i've missed anything.