I'd say that the judgement call typically comes in at about force 4. But
you should also not forget to factor in the seas that may extend the
wind strengths where reaching down wind is faster. Holding the period of
surfing for longer is a big boost.

Cheers MC

Donal wrote:
"Gerard Weatherby" wrote in message
...

There's an article on sailnet (


http://www.sailnet.com/collections/a...d=rousma0082%2
0%20&tfr=fp

or http://tinyurl.com/h9z6 ) which claims it's faster to tack downwind on

broad

reaches instead of running straight downwind. (Assuming you want to get

dead

downwind.) Have those of you who sail found this to be true? Let's

assume

there's no spinnaker since I don't have one.


It depends on the strength of the wind.


In light air, it will often be quicker to gybe. Once the wind gets up to
the point where you can goose wing easily, then you will be quicker going
dead downwind!


I should add - "IMHO".


Regards


Donal
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