Originally Posted by
Xavier
Matt,
I thought I had responded earlier, but guess it didn’t go through. I can’t answer your questions directly because I’ve never paid attention to the numbers. I’ve had a SpeedPuck (GPS) on my O30, used mostly to gage changes like current lines or trim adjustments, and recently added a paddle wheel knotmeter as part of a package to satisfy a depth sounder requirement. But I’ve never done a postrace analysis beyond a casual look at recorded tracks.
I have been fortunate to crew on the O30 HOOT in one design and PHRF races, and learned a lot about O30 trim/performance there. But have never sailed an O30 with instruments other than described above. If you have any active O30’s near you, I recommend crewing for the fastest one you can get on, and pay close attention to their trim, especially how best to depower.
It's been a long time since my last Farallones race (all doublehanded). As Solosailor indicated, the classic Farallones NW conditions are often dominated by one long tack or fetch. Often, with sheet leads on a mid-track or the rail. So just looking at speeds and times out to the rocks isn’t particularly useful for assessing upwind targets.
Hope some of this helps.
Sam
O30 Dragonsong