Actually you're an idiot. The TV show MythBusters has recently proven,
quite conclusively IMHO, that the pickup with the gate up is actually
far more fuel efficient than one with the liftgate down. The liftgate
being up causes a "bubble" of air to force the airflow to stay
separated from the truck, where the lowered liftgate causes the airflow
to become much more turbulent, and causes drag.

Besides, most sailboats have so much crap interuppting the airflow,
that the lack or existence of a swim platform is probably quite
negligible in terms of drag. The shape of the mast, whether it
rotates, whether you have a bimini or dodger, the shape of the
cabinroof, are probably all much more influential on the drag of a
boat, as is the shape of the hull, keel, rudder, in terms of in-water
drag.

Lastly, I would like to mention that water drag has far greater effect
on a boat than does air drag. Besides, a sailboat, with a pretty
bloody big kite like sail up, isn't going to win any aerodynamic design
awards.

On 2005-12-22 21:25:34 -0500, "Bob Crantz" said:

That's right folks!

Think of a pickup truck driving along with the tailgate up compared to one
with the tailgate down.

The tailgate down goes faster and gets better mileage. It has less wind
resistance.

Now look at the Beneteau 35s5 stern. Obviously, it has less resistance.

But there's more!

MORE!

Because the airflow is more laminar through the cockpit, there's flow
separation at the stern and the laminar airflow beneath the boom increases
the pressure differential on opposite sides of the sail surface, which
increases efficiency! Especially when sailing into the wind!

The swim platform cockpit allows the 35s5 to sail closer to the wind!

It will also sail faster!

Sounds improbable? Well then, just stand a sheet of plywood at the stern and
watch what happens. The boat slows and doesn't point as well!

It also means enhanced light air performance!

All scientifically proven! And measured!!!

Amen!