Boat Speed as a function of Wind Speed

[dlandersson]

My rule of thumb is 51% of wind speed.

I thought it wasn't unreasonable to be doing 3 knots in a 4 knot wind.

Has anyone done one of these for our boats?

[Be Free]

It really depends on the wind speed and very much on the point of sail but you won't be too surprised (or disappointed) with a 51% estimate most of the time in moderate conditions. It's a good rule-of-thumb for a rough estimate.

It's most accurate when there is not much of an upwind component to your course. We really don't sail to windward very fast in higher winds. I recall one time crossing Lake George (the other big lake in Florida) with around 30 knots on the nose. I was heeled around 40 degrees and barely making headway.

On the other hand we do surprisingly well with the wind behind us. With a genoa or (dare I say it) a spinnaker we can be downright impressive!

[dlandersson]

I do pretty well sailing to windward, it's my favorite point of sail, that and a beam reach.

[Be Free]

You'll get no argument from me. Running is too hot in the summer and too boring year-round. No one will ever accuse me of being a "gentleman". I prefer sailing to windward.

[dlandersson]

Yeah, I forget the AC aspect of sailing to windward, love the breeze

You'll get no argument from me. Running is too hot in the summer and too boring year-round. No one will ever accuse me of being a "gentleman". I prefer sailing to windward.