5.54 is interesting. I can only speak for what I would do with the WS. This is a friendly race series, between very different types of classic boat. The Smack has to keep clear of the WS (assuming WS is holding her proper course, which is really up to her). But the gaffer cannot point as high as the WS, and she is a lot bigger and less manouverable. I would keep well clear, easing the main to offset the large weather helm and poor rudder performance. One false move (e.g. jib sheet pays out), could result in disaster. Not to mention the major distortion of air flow caused by proximity to the Smack.
Agreed, a West Solent will point at least 5 degrees higher than a smack. In this case the WS was the overtaking boat coming from more than two boat lengths clear of our stern. They tacked in a position where they would have to sail through our lee, which was a bit odd. We have a saying on the boat, "Never sail through the lee of a smack!"
@@lurch1e Great saying - so true!! (I was once crewing on a classic bowsprit gaffer beating hard on port, me up on the weather rail, and we went behind a ferry. She rolled over to port, put the rail right in, and if I hadn't had my left arm wrapped around the shrouds, I'd have slid in!). Really love your channel. The smacks look so gorgeous in full sail.
@@cricciethcastle5077 Thanks for the comment. We have often watched trapeze dinghys sail through our lee, only to capsize with the boat rolling on top of them!
Great week, still recovering - Roll on Tollesbury Regatta!
5.54 is interesting. I can only speak for what I would do with the WS. This is a friendly race series, between very different types of classic boat. The Smack has to keep clear of the WS (assuming WS is holding her proper course, which is really up to her). But the gaffer cannot point as high as the WS, and she is a lot bigger and less manouverable. I would keep well clear, easing the main to offset the large weather helm and poor rudder performance. One false move (e.g. jib sheet pays out), could result in disaster. Not to mention the major distortion of air flow caused by proximity to the Smack.
Agreed, a West Solent will point at least 5 degrees higher than a smack. In this case the WS was the overtaking boat coming from more than two boat lengths clear of our stern. They tacked in a position where they would have to sail through our lee, which was a bit odd. We have a saying on the boat, "Never sail through the lee of a smack!"
@@lurch1e Great saying - so true!! (I was once crewing on a classic bowsprit gaffer beating hard on port, me up on the weather rail, and we went behind a ferry. She rolled over to port, put the rail right in, and if I hadn't had my left arm wrapped around the shrouds, I'd have slid in!). Really love your channel. The smacks look so gorgeous in full sail.
@@cricciethcastle5077 Thanks for the comment. We have often watched trapeze dinghys sail through our lee, only to capsize with the boat rolling on top of them!
Who and what is the craft W2 at 5:38?
Sorry, only just seen your comment. They are called a West Solent One design.
Great !