Posted by Robert Van Do high-performance/racing windsurfers turn their boards by leaning/carving into a turn with their boards or by moving their sail fore and aft? (or both?) ********Formula Boards are maneuvered mostly with foot pressure and leaning the board. What's a typical top-end speed? ******At lower wind speeds (8 to 12 knots) a reaching Formula board can sail slightly faster than 2x wind speed. As the wind picks up, this ratio drops. I would expect that a Formula board tops out around 40 mph. What's the fastest point of sail? *****A broad reach of maybe 100 to 110 degrees to the wind. What's faster a beam reach or a broad reach?****as above. Regards,
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on 5/25/2003, 8:21 am, in reply to "basic questions re. windsurfers"
65.126.209.33
Hi Roger,
I do not consider myself an Expert, but I believe I can answer your questions. First, while some Long Boards with centerboards are also considered Race Boards, I will be referencing Formula/Short Boards as my definition of “High Performance". (anyone else feel free for rebuttal):
Do racing boards have centerboards? If not - why? *******Formula Boards do not have centerboards. A centerboard is most effective in non-planing conditions, and create tremendous drag at high speeds. Once planning, Formula Boards are faster around a windward/leeward racecourse than any other sailboard (and most other sail craft).
Robert
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