Each boat is different. In this case, both RB's
and my boat will gain VMG by footing off. However, the optimal point
for the 35s5 is maybe 38 degrees with a VMG of 5.2 (I'm guessing)
while mine is 43 with a VMG of 5.5.


At 38 degrees the 35s5 shows 6.4 knots with a VMG of 5.855. I expect
that Donal's 33.7 points a bit better than my boat and I think you're
underselling the performance of the First Series boats, which is well
regarded.
In addition, if I'm heading home on a port tack, about to come around
an obstacle, I will well apreciate the 35s5's pointing ability and 5.8
knots is just fine. I'm sitting there, holding the big wheel, little
Thomas at my side. I'd like to just hold my course, clear the obstacle
and keep on sailing. You would have me fall off, gather speed, tack,
blah blah. What's the hurry all the time? Just SAIL and use the boat's
pointing potential from time to time.
Boats that can point better are just more fun, or as someone a lot
smarter than me wrote,

"The boat with greater directional control is usually thought to be the
better design."

Suitability is everything...something Jeff doesn't seem to understand.
I've already sailing the 35s5 across a series of days where the PDQ
would have crawled by comparison, though Jeff readily admits he motors
in such conditions.
Here we are again, Jeff. Hope you're happy!


RB
35s5
NY