fixed angle balestron rig

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by lucdekeyser, Aug 13, 2012.

  1. lucdekeyser
    Joined: Aug 2004
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    Location: Belgium

    lucdekeyser Senior Member

    This may sound like a theoretical exam question: If one would be forced to fix a balestron rig to one single angle (per side) what angle would be the most performant given that the wind direction is equiprobable? Experimentally, I would collect the polars at several angles in let's say 5 degrees increments and compare the resulting surfaces weighted by the sailing speed. I have the impression that this "best" angle cannot be deduced from the regular polars. What would experienced sailors intuitively give as a ballpark figure?

    Thank you in advance.

    Luc
     
  2. PI Design
    Joined: Oct 2006
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    Location: England

    PI Design Senior Member

    I would set them so they were perfectly trimmed when just a few degrees below close hauled. So the main sail would be about 48 degrees from the wind. That way you wouldn't lose too much VMG upwind, would be okay on a reach and a little tight downwind.
     
  3. lucdekeyser
    Joined: Aug 2004
    Posts: 157
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    Location: Belgium

    lucdekeyser Senior Member

    Thank you. 48 degrees seems quite an precise number for a guestimate. At what degrees would you have put close hauled then? Wouldn't that result in pretty tight downwind instead of just a little tight downwind ? Luc
     

  4. PI Design
    Joined: Oct 2006
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    Location: England

    PI Design Senior Member

    Typical close hauled is 42 degrees. If you free off up to 6 degrees I have found you don't lose too much VMG, after that it begins to fall off quite rapidly. It is tight for downdind, but you can't have it all at a fixed angle!
     
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