"DSK" wrote in message

Not if the boat is designed with good reserve bouyancy in the aft
sections.

Well that's the ringer isn't it? A sugar scoop would lend to waterline ...
but not nessecarily to boyancy

I disagree strongly. In fact, having sailed many open transom boats in
pretty good seas, I can remember very few times having water come in
astern. And those times were in waves steep enough (or breaking) that they
would have washed over top of any transom (or pointy stern) too.

Now there rears the head of the Dragon of Reserve Buoyancy.
I would take issue with that statement having experienced both types of
vessels in comparitive situations.


In fact, the one boat I've sailed a lot and is mentionable as having a
tendency to stick her stern into following seas is an old classic
counter-stern sloop. Elegant, and from the looks of that long overhang
you'd think she'd lift readily to waves from astern. But that turned out
not to eb the case. A great boat in many other respects though, and
beautiful enough to be forgiven this flaw... besides, she also had the
classic small cockpit...

More Reserve bouyancy than a sugar scoop??


Amend that overly harsh statement to "not sailed with high degree of
racing competence."

Maybe not......?


If they're pounding and "lack momentum" then they're being sailed wrong...
specifically, they are pinching. There is a time to feather up when
overpowered, but it's not when consistently overpowered with seas sweeping
you to leeward. Also, boats don't pound (or at least, nowhere near as
much) when depowered & footed off.

Although I agree with the base contention... mitigating factors are always a
reality.
Sea states can be vary with seasonal conditions. I sail in unprotected
waters... for the most part.
Steep short seas with breaking tops are common. So are 40ft+ waves entering
my harbour. Doug... those are a steep climb.
I've been in water that has impeded forward progress to a waypoint.


What do you call "long duration"? All the way across? Why would any
competent crew stop driving their vessel when sailing conditions were
good?

Well that depends dosen't it.... 12 hours could be a "duration". Depends on
watch times and crew condition.

And didn't get going again?

Of course... but in that type of wind......... minutes are hours lost


Hell, I've raced some lightweight flyers that broached under spinnaker
every 5 minutes, and still hit 18 knots and passed boats on the run.

I'm certain you have Doug.......


Like I said, the problem here is that you're apparently not racing against
guys that are driving hard & fast.

That could be......



Y'know, every crab crusher sailor says that, then when I ask "what racing
designs" it turns out that they consider a slightly less crab-crushy boat
to be a "hot-shot racer" and don't really want to put it to the test.

Heh... when you enter a race... you race the field

I'm kind of surprised that the Contessa 32(s) sailed in your club can't
keep up with you in a blow, those are supposed to be good heavy weather
boats.

Yeah they are.... I'm saying my boat is substantially faster. It's a proven
fact.

And those are very good characteristics. Good steering characteristics,
especially in following seas, is also very desirable.

I like my boat Doug....... :-)

CM