Matt Colie wrote:
Strangly,
That is not at quite what the towing tank data work here says.
For a conventional vessle sailing in moderate conditions with a slight
weather helm (Ra 3).
Yes, the rudder has a lift component to weather and it is most typically
below the center of bouyancy.

MC wrote:
So now we agree.

Funny... do you realize what he's saying, MC? In any case, it does not "agree"
with your earlier statements.

Matt is exactly right, that lift comes at the cost of drag, and weather helm can
easily cost more in speed than it gains in reducing leeway. The usual figure
given as max desirable weather helm is 2 degrees, which ain't much.


I think you've evaded the point. Of course the keel provides most of the
lift but the rudder dfoes add some -right? Remember even a small gain
wins races to windward!

Really? You can state this from personal knowledge? How many races have you won,
MC? IIRC the last race you mentioned, you dropped out and ruined your dinghy
motor. Does dragging a dinghy upside down improve pointing?

DSK