DSK wrote:



... Better yet go back to the classic literature and look at the tests
of the Gimcrack. She was fastest at 30 degrees and was no faster at 35
degrees. That's still a correct rule of thumb for most fast cruiser
racers today.


Not in my experience. Most boats like about 12 degrees of heel. The
Soling (a relatively narrow boat) sailors I know say their boats like
18.


I guess you would not have overtaken the race leader -look at this:


http://www.sevenoceans.com/SoloAroun...Leg1/Day30.htm


Cheers