Fast is Fun!
July 30, 2014
That’s the official motto of people who race ultralight boats. BackBeat is neither an ultralight nor a sport boat, but she can get up and go in the right conditions. With a masthead kite, wind over 15 knots, and a decent swell to surf, she’ll easily hit 10 to 12 knots. The highest I’ve recorded is 14.3. That was running with just a double-reefed main in 30-ish knots and combined seas of 12-16 feet. Fast really is fun. Here’s some track data.
The last 111 miles before San Francisco. 14.3!
During SHTP qualifier.
During SHTP qualifier.
Autopilots died somewhere in this track.
Last 125 miles before Newport, Oregon. Hand-steering sucks.
This was a rough but pleasant stretch of water.
BACKBEAT SAILING 