Whats your Average Speed

[johndove]

Lookat the cat sailing around the world, heading this way at 24 knots, average 22 knots for the last 25000 nm

www.maxicatamaran-orange.com

 

[powerskipper]

thats a good speed, tiring but good. and think of the fuel he is not using /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[johndove]

diesel cars are getting as fast as petrol cars

perhaps sail will get get as fast as motor yachts

 

[NorthernWave]

power is getting fast too.

160ft boats that can do 70 knots for example.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Dont really have an "average". Down to 10kts in rough weather and up to 46kts if I want in good weather.

For me it's fuel consumption vs distance X what I want out of my day

The "norm" (if you want to call it that) ranges from 25 to 35kts when out cruising.

I have yet to do a "this year" time trial. I spent a load of time this year on a clean smooth bum (no, mines not like that!) and early results show 35kts at 3300rpm. With a 4800rpm top end, I may get the holy grail of 50kts - I'll let you know.

 

[gcwhite]

I think comfort is the issue. A boat capable of 33 kts will cruise at say 25 and the whole process is more relaxed and enjoyable.

 

[Piers]

When I started boating I wanted speed, speed, speed. I tried convincing the family it was great fun as they crouched in the cockpit, enduring the occasional (and sometines not so occasional) slamming, as they got into denial mode.

After 15 years of this, I realised enjoying the passage, being able to cook on passage, for the family to watch movies whilst on passage, play games whilst on passage, be able to have a pee without slowing down, was far more fun than being beaten to death.

So? It's 9-10 knots now. Joy.

 

[duncan]

I find 15-18 knots is a nice soft speed whilst anything over 20 knots can be felt throughout the boat.
Nothing to do with hull shape - the water just gets 'hard' around 20 knots!

 

[gcwhite]

You are right. I quoted 25 but I agree 18 seems very gentle and most enjoyable.

 

[Magnum]

Ah, but what about the challenge of peeing standing up at 30 knots and not spilling a drop? Not perfected this myself yet, but with more practice I believe it can be done /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[oldgit]

Amen to that.

 

[Wiggo]

I'm happy to practice on someone else's boat...

 

[Gludy]

I think that the water does get hard around 20 knots but not if you are cutting through the water only if you are planing on top of it.

 

[Gludy]

Is that why you changed to a Fleming? Why not just slow your old boat down?