DSK wrote:

brian wrote:

What we need here is a challange.
I challange any wind powered craft to prevail over a Formula
Windsurfer and competant sailor in a series of four Regattas on a
regular/proper windward/leeward course. Wind min. of 10 knots.

The yacht and sailing clubs down in the Coconut Grove might go for
this.


There used to be an annual race that was a challenge among all
one-design classes, but it died out before windsurfers caught on. The
problem I see is that the hot windsurfers (at least the ones I'm
familiar with) aren't really one-design at all, they mix-n-match boards,
gear, sails in all kinds of variations. Obviously there should be a
completely open class which might include giant proas, hydrofoils, kite
boards, etc etc.

BTW if you want to place a limit on your challenge of winds 10 knots,
you might also be aware that other specialized craft have a right to
name their favorite conditions too. Try racing against a Thistle in
winds of less than 3 knots.

and, if you wanted to give a prize for the "least comfortable" boat around
the course, the thistle would probably win that too.

well, of course, for different windspeeds, different boats would win.

but, i would bet that if you set a windward/leeward course somewhere
with generally breezy conditions, and ran a contest that lasted, say,
several months - a formula windsurfer would win the overall prize for
fastest time around the course. i doubt that any skiffs, cats, a.c. boats,
or anything else would be as fast.

somehow, the prize for fastest time seems more desireable than one
for a particular wind range - to me at least.



Personally, I haven't done any windsurfing for a few years, if the gear
has improved that much maybe I should give it another try.


with respect to windward/leeward performance in moderate windspeeds, the
gear has improved quite considerably in the last few years - i would say
the new gear is revolutionary. i also race dinghys and keelboats, and i
so i would say my opinion is an informed one. in light winds, say under
8kts, the performance gain isn't so big - 10 year old boards still win
in these conditions.

jeff feehan



jeff feehan wrote:
depending on what boats they race there, you might need more than
10 kts - 12 would be safer.


What about a maximum?



the problem is to predict a date/time where the wind won't drop
below 10 (or 12) kts. around here (long island sound) that's pretty
hard - a good seabreeze day will almost always have lulls below
12 kts. when i sail formula against keelboats, i do fine until
i sail into a lull, and the i get left behind.


It's even more dramatic with a hydrofoiler. But you can see why some of
us are a bit amused by the way some windsurfers (obviously not *all*)
claim a blanket superiority. Must be an ego thing.

Personally, I haven't done any windsurfing for a few years, if the gear
has improved that much maybe I should give it another try.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King