It's been quite a few years since I followed this subject, but as I
recall there used to be speed trials in England on a yearly basis.
The Yacht Research Association, or Royal Yacht Research Association, I
believe was the sponsoring group. In those days foil sail boats
usually ran the fastest. I seem to remember 39 knots as a record.
Since then kite sailors and other innovations have emerged, as well.
And board sailors were also quite competitive. =20

On Wed, 07 Jan 2004 15:42:43 +0100, Wolfgang Soergel
wrote:

Harken Ronstan wrote:
=20
What is the fastest mono-hull (non-sailboard)on a windward leeward or
triangle course these days?
=20
I estimate: 505, Intl 14 GP, 49er, 18ft skiff are contenders.
Since they all plane up wind, waterline is less of an issue so I would
guess larger craft like an E scow, and A scow are in this class.

In light winds (under maybe 6 or 7 knots) AC type boats (long, narrow
keel yacht) are probabely fastest. A little more wind and i would
consider racing skiffs. Even more (12 knots and up) and Formula
Windsurfing gear has chances. But ultimately fastest are probabely big
(semi)planing racing yachts like the Open 60s or even bigger beasts.
Wasn't there a thread about a 150ft racing monohull shattering some
record a while back? Of course these boats aren't readily available to
most of us...