Ever wish you could get more detailed insights on sailing technique? Our drone video of the MC Scow Southeast Regional gave us this chance. We captured two talented sailors sailing side by side and used freeze frame and zoom to do a boat speed comparison and analysis.
The video shows two MCs sailing upwind very close to each other in 8-12 mph. One boat has crew and outweighs the single-handed skipper of the other boat. The boats have different sails. We decided not to publicize the names of the skippers or the sails used.
One boat pulls ahead after about a minute of sailing. Watch the first half of the video to see what happens and form your own conclusions. In the second half of the video, we use freeze frames to point out some observations and give our opinion.
We’d love to hear your comments on this boat speed comparison. We’re also sharing the video with the skippers involved and will post their comments, unless they’re unprintable!
Boat Speed Comparison Conclusions
If you don’t want to watch the video (it’s only three minutes!), the leeward boat pulls ahead. Here are our conclusions:
- The leeward boat was able to stay powered up more in the lulls.
– Fuller sail down low
– Windward boat may have stayed de-powered too long in one lull. - A slight header favored the leeward boat.
- When overpowered, the leeward boat rig was forgiving.
– Leech opened up more in puffs
– Traveler may have been down slightly - Waves affected the windward boat more.
– More weight forward due to crew - Once the leeward boat got ahead, it was game over due to bad air for the windward boat.
Sail trim is a key factor in this boat speed comparison. Follow SailZing as we begin a new series on sail trim!
Sailing Lulls Tips
Sailing Lulls Tips – Part II: Trim In and Feather Down
Sailing with Crew in the MC Scow: Matt Fisher Comments
