Windsurfers just don't get it!

Dont get what? ... restating something technical, in a domain-specific analogy is perfectly ok.

Hi Barney,

Are those quotes from the papers you reference at the bottom?

I am also not quite sure of the context of your post. What is it you think windsurfers 'don't get'.

I would say that is a long time since I have felt limited in speed by 'instability'. Spinouts at top speeds are extremely rare for me on 'fast water' (Flat enough to not have issues with spinout - say following chop less than 15-20cm high)

Rockets are not that hard. I built hundreds in my youth, and not many blew up. Of course, some didnt get off the ground either. But plenty did!

It helped that may dad had a shed full of lots of interesting Nitrate fertilisers (that don't seem to be widely available anymore - strange that....)

Thanks for clearing that up Barney.

For what it's worth, I feel that I am limited by my ability to produce power by leverage: If I wear weight I usually go faster. The taller and heavier guys go faster again.

I may be limited by the L/D of the sail, but when it is blowing 40+ knots, I have to keep reducing sail size, and sail a broader course, to be able to simply hold the power I have in the sail. The is a limit to this though. I found at Luderitz, on the very broad course, in the strongest winds, reducing sail size only left me with less power. On a slightly less broad course, it may have been a different matter.

Even, or especially, in 25 to 30 knots, the larger guys go faster than me most of the time.

I am not so sure about the fin being a L/D or control limit. At my tops speeds in strong winds I don't feel there is much pressure on the fin at the angles we run, and i dont feel in any danger of overpowering it as long as it does not ventilate over large chop. And I tend to run much smaller fins than most sailors, even those of similar size to me. Sheeting in more does not seem like a good option, as there is an optimum angle before the sail stalls. Usually. I am trying to stay as sheeted out as possible for what feels to be the best L/D. on a broad run in strong winds. In lighter winds, below 30 knots, I have found I need to run a tighter course and have more pressure on the fin to get best speeds. This is the wind strength area where it feels like better L/D from both the sail and fin would definitly help.

My feeling is that sail twist helps to keep the sail stable and the CofE lower were I have more leverage over the power, and can direct it the most effecient vector. Likewise, lower aspect sails seem to do the same, for a net gain, even if they may be theoretically lower L/D.

Nice idea, but how do I ensure my head is exactly lined up with the direction of travel? Normally, I don't think it is, and it may be quite a neck twist to get there.

Yep I don't get it!! I just rig up sail and have a great time why clog your mine with vortexes,angle of attack,apparent wind,foil sections..............may as well stay home.

Duly noted Grand Master Yoda.