My average speed, for general conditions, is roughly 7 knots. That's what I base my
passage planning on. However, its not uncommon to do 9 or 10 if the wind is pushing 20.
I've been over 11 with plain sail without help from waves. (Surfing we've been to 13.5)
On my recent trip to Salem we were doing 5.5 to 7 knots in a 10 to 12 knot breeze (as
entered in my log, a legal document). About the same going to P'town. I generally figure
I'm a knot or two fast then monohulls my size.

The Norther's that Neal talks about are a standard wind that covers the FL area though the
winter. Its often about 20-25 knots, and can setup for 2 or 3 weeks without a break.
Since you can't cross the Gulf Stream in a Norther, hundreds of boats wait in on the East
Coast of FL for a window.

Neal might be able to beam reach in a Norther at 6.8 through the water, but its pushing it
a bit. With full sail, in 26 knots, his sail generates 22 hp, which puts him under 300
pounds per hp - enough to push through hull speed somewhat. Of course, although my
predicted speed would be 10+ knots, I'm not constrained by hull speed, so I'd be doing
more, with reefed sails.


"CANDChelp" wrote in message
...
Average speed on a trip across the Gulf of Mexico in a
broad reach during a norther from Panama City sea buoy
to Egmont Key sea buoy (Tampa Bay) was 7.3 knots
average speed. This is fact and recorded my my log
which is a legal document. There is perhaps a 1/2 knot
favorable current in the Gulf in this direction.

Jeff, what is the average speed made by your multi hull when passaging making.

RB