Ol Thom, you are missing the point. As the wind grows the boat heels.
More wind = more heel until the VMG drops due to leeway or the boat
sinks. To control that leeway you eventually have to reduce sail or
sheet out. Now the question is, at what angle does that occur at. I've
mainted that 30 degrees is about the limit for *most* keel boats and
have posted references showing this to be the case. In the case of IACC
yachts, 30 degrees is typically the design heel for max VMG. Some keel
boats such as the Beneteau F series have a lower angle (22-25 degrees).
But to suggest that highest VMG is seen at 15 degrees heel (or even 12
as suggested by Doug) is completely wrong. You need to heel to extract
wind energy...

Cheers


Thom Stewart wrote:

There you go again Nutsy,
Put your own spin to a discussion. DSK had no problem with 20-to-15
degree heel. Either did I.

Yes "Shaw" did design his to stiffen at around 15 Deg. Any sailor know
some heeling needs to be had but skippers have been working for year to
keep the sail plan upright. That is why the "Rail Meat" lines the
weather rail. Solo racers pump water ballast around the hull. Almost
anything to overcome the bad effects (Evil) of heeling. Hiking straps,
trapeze.curved sliding seats on the international canoes

Now, Nutsy, you tell me what racing boats or cruising boat(Mono) are
designed to go faster with their masts heeled 30+ deg. In fact name a
vessel regardless of its design that sails faster with a heeled sail
plan and I'll shut-up. Not one that YOU THINK but one that sails fast
and better with the mast heeled.

Ole Thom