For the first time this year, we had really good wind on the weekend, during our FANFARE Regatta, Open Cat class with handicap. Over the two days, we ran 13 races, with adequate to good wind on Saturday, and great wind on Sunday, 10K gusting 18K.
We were the only H16 amongst an F16, two F18's, a Tornado, and two H17's with squaretops. Although the Tornado, one H17, and one F18 dropped a few races due to equipment and other issues, my son and I managed to hold on and ended up 2nd.
Afterward, the H17 winner asked why we single trapped going upwind. That got me thinking....how 'flat' does the H16 have to be in 10K to 18K of wind?
Sure, if the sustained wind had been higher, I would have gone out on the trap as well, however, I did not feel that the boat needed it. The windward hull only occasionally lifted, as in most 'puffs' I would use those puffs to round up a touch to better 'make' the mark, then bear away again for speed.
I really felt we could have held the H17 in a few races.....especially downwind. There's always next year.
Despite short chop, our top speed clocked in at 12.3 K.
So back to my question, one out or two out on the upwind, and at what wind speeds?
_________________ 2015 H16, with spin, SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..." 'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'
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