Strategy for downwind leg

[dlandersson]

All things being equal, a 26D will be faster than a 26S.

Good thread!

Back to one of your original comments/questions/thoughts. Paraphrasing - Does the 26S tend more toward being faster DDW than other boats? As the owner of one, I think yes. It really has that gut feel, which is why I suspect you asked. I for one am glad to know someone else had the same idea.

Playing with my spinnaker like a kite the boat even seems to start to lift, like more than expected... As for the keel I could go either way, but given the man power I would, however not at the expense of well trimmed sails. Also, my keel is aft rigged, to just below the tiller handle, so that's an option.

One final thought - I've had my boat for awhile and put in a small bilge/sink/deck hosing off pump. When I dream of racing, I imagine myself pumping the ballast going DDW

[Stickinthemud57]

All things being equal, a 26D will be faster than a 26S.

Not doubting you, but why do you suppose that's true?

[Jimmyt]

All things being equal, a 26D will be faster than a 26S.

Not doubting you, but why do you suppose that's true?

Apparently, some lake sailers in Texas agree with him. But, it ain’t much faster…



As for an explanation, the local 26D skippers are better.???

[dlandersson]

The "D" (Daggerboard) is fixed, doesn't "move" as much in the down position and adds a touch of speed.

All things being equal, a 26D will be faster than a 26S.

Not doubting you, but why do you suppose that's true?

[Stickinthemud57]

As for an explanation, the local 26D skippers are better.???

Well, they certainly have to be more cautious in shallow water.

[Jimmyt]

Yep. Same with my 26M. Only hit it once (so far). Thankfully, it was in sand and at low speed. So, it only resulted in an abrupt stop.

Is the dagger boat lighter than the swing keel boat? Are the sail plans different.

[Newell]

AFAICT the speed difference between the D and S is the 'wetted surface". When the CB drops on the S it opens cavities infront and back of the board. More surface, more drag.

[Stickinthemud57]

AFAICT the speed difference between the D and S is the 'wetted surface". When the CB drops on the S it opens cavities infront and back of the board. More surface, more drag.

This makes sense.

[dlandersson]

Nice observation.

I understand the Daggerboard is more rigid also

AFAICT the speed difference between the D and S is the 'wetted surface". When the CB drops on the S it opens cavities infront and back of the board. More surface, more drag.

[KingRichard]

Question - what do you mean when you say your keel is "aft rigged"? 26S, correct?

Yes 26S, I control my keel from the back of the cockpit.

From the original location the cable goes up about 18" into the space between the hull and the deck. Then runs hidden along the starboard side until it gets to the cargo hold. Then to a 2:1 block mounted on the bulkhead, finally out to a cleat where your shin is when you're sitting down with the tiller in your hand.

I can't take credit, the previous owner did it. The pulleys need a facelift, but it works fairly well.

Great side bar about D vs. S speed comparison! Agree with both points of less surface area and a little more rigidity. But I do have a question... Is the keel on the S longer?

[Stickinthemud57]

Question - what do you mean when you say your keel is "aft rigged"? 26S, correct?

Yes 26S, I control my keel from the back of the cockpit.

From the original location the cable goes up about 18" into the space between the hull and the deck. Then runs hidden along the starboard side until it gets to the cargo hold. Then to a 2:1 block mounted on the bulkhead, finally out to a cleat where your shin is when you're sitting down with the tiller in your hand.

I can't take credit, the previous owner did it. The pulleys need a facelift, but it works fairly well.

Great side bar about D vs. S speed comparison! Agree with both points of less surface area and a little more rigidity. But I do have a question... Is the keel on the S longer?

Thanks for that clarification.
Yes, it would appear the centerboard is longer than the daggerboard since the max draft for the S is 6.33', 1 foot deeper than the D.