I would like to add that since I am sitting here checking email and watching BMW Oracle get their butts whipped yet again I am reminded about how all the 12 meter boats switched from fin keels to wing keels after the Americas Cup last held in Newport (1976?). If wings didnt offer high marks in pointing and down wind work they would have never been on an 12 meter.
Joe McCary Aeolus II West River, MD [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____ >From On Behalf Of Phil Agur When it comes to saying A fin keel out points a wing keel thats not actually a true statement. If you were to overlay the polars for a (shoal) wing keel and a fin keel when you look very closely youll find a slightly better VMG for the fin for a given velocity and angle to the wind when close hauled. You should also find the reverse is true on a run. How a boat points really has to do with the sail plan and sheeting arrangement. Wing Tip is still sailing inside of 15° which is not particularly efficient but can be tactically effective. Racing there are times when you can head a boat up until you are close hauled but not luffing. I can take just about anyone up past where they luff, usually causing them to tack away putting us in clear air, and Im still sailing.
