I just picked up a beautiful 2014 Wave! I sailed it in light winds (8 knots) to check it out. No problem. Nice leisure sail. Another solo sail at 10 knots. Fun! Then in the next couple of days, the wind began to blow! 10 knots, 12, knots, 15 knots, 20 knots, 25+ knots!
I gathered up some nerve and took my son and his rather small wife out in 13-16 knot winds and 2 ft chop. We went pretty fast, but with 430 lbs, the waves hit the tramp (and us) and slowed us down a bit.
So my questions are:
1. In a Hobie Wave, what are the recommended sailing load weights and wind speeds for optimal performance?
2. What is considered light, moderate, and strong winds? I see people use those terms in this forum and I believe the baseline is different than other sailboats. I'm look for the recipe to go the fastest (and maybe fly a hull) for example 200 lbs: 14 knots, 250 lbs: 16 knots, 300 lbs: 18 knots, etc.
All equipment is stock. The side stays are in 3rd hole from the bottom and fore stay is 2nd hole from the top. The mast is raked back and I believe the stays are as tight as I can get them even though, while sailing, the opposite side is slack.
Picture of my Hobie Wave mast rake: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hnGdFwNgy7taVakR2
Once, I literally split an Isotope 16 in half sailing in winds too strong for it. Recently, I pulled the front mast bracket out of a Bravo in a stiff wind. I definitely need to learn the limits of the Wave so I don't hurt her (or us).
Thanks,
Fin