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 Swing keel racing tactics		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts
Initially Posted - 06/10/2002 :  11:07:17  Show Profile
What are the merits of sailing in light winds with the keel up / down?
I would think that you're faced with a tradeoff of more sideways drift (up) versus more drag (down). Does anybody have a view as to the relative importance of each?

In heavier breeze, you would obviously sail to windward with the keel down. What about downwind? Do you pull the keel up as you would in a dingy?

Finally, is there any condition where it would be better to sail with the keel half-way down?

Thanks,
Bruce Baker
"Yee Ha" 3573
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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2002 :  11:21:12  Show Profile
I race a little with a swinger. Contrary to logic, theory, and other's opinions, in practice I can find little reason to raise the keel. I used to always raise it when motoring, for example. But for some weird reason that I can't explain, my speed does not change when the keel comes up/and sometimes even goes down. I used motoring to check it, because it would seem more constant than checking speed with the vagaries of wind under sail.

So, experiment if you want...I am sure I still will, and may bring the keel up if on a long, downwind leg, but I sure haven't seen a difference so far.

BTW: I won one leg of my class in a 6 leg race last summer. Finished second most others/2nd overall...The leg I won? A 25 mile spinnaker run up the Columbia River. I used a homemade kite (Sailrite kit) that I made in 1984! And the keel stayed down the whole leg! Go figger....

Gary B. Encore! SK/SR #685 and Suede Shoes #496
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2002 :  15:45:55  Show Profile
Bruce,

At the top of your post is an icon with a sheet of paper and a garbage can. If you want to delete a duplicate post, you can do so by clicking on that icon. Only you (or the webmaster) can delete your own posts, however.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.