racing!

[dpo628]

Quick question guys. i have a DSII, I was talking to a person the other day at work about sailboats and such. He has a West Wright Potter 15. He said it was pretty fast for a small boat and he said it would outsail my DSII. I have never seen one in person but have looked at one online. It dont look fast, more like a bathtub. I think its a neat boat, but would it outsail a DSII?

[calden]

It's obviously time to throw the gauntlet down! Get out there and show him. You can make disparaging remarks about the WWP 15 as you zoom past.


Carlos

[jpclowes]

OK, I did a little research.
the WWP 15 has a maximum of 111 square feet of sail area (if he uses his Genoa, less if he only has one of the smaller jibs offered), and a mast that is 15'6" above the deck. It displaces 475 lbs(as built), is 15' long and a beam of 5'6" .

The DS, if it is following all the rules in the association, has 145 sq feet of sail area, (Not counting Spinnaker, which adds another 96 sq ft.) a mast that is 22'6" above the deck, and displaces 575 lbs, (minimum weight for racing.) it is 16'9" long and has a beam of 6'3".

I think the advantages in Waterline mast height and Sail Area probably overcome the disadvantages in displacement and beam.

Another Yardstick is the Portsmouth Rating. According to US Sailing, the DS's rating is 98.6, the WWP 15 is 138.1. (the lower the number the faster the boat, the 49er's is 68.8, and the Thistle is 83.0.)

Now, a lot depends on the skill of the skipper, but I would guess that you will sail circles around him.

[dpo628]

thanks for the info..I guess i will have to talk smack now!