Whisker poles

Just as a rule of thumb: if wind speed is less that 4-5 knots (real) straight downwind is faster - although faster is almost a joke , do not expect boat speeds over 1-2 knots. In higher wind speeds it is probably faster to jybe and by far more enjoyable. The transition speed depends heavily on the hull condition, the boat load and on the propeller (if you can get it in saling mode-folded/feathered).

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PS: 1)with the wife on board in such windless conditions it is better to hoist the iron sails (tto start he engine).
        2)In very heavy conditions it is also faster straight downwind than gybing - if you can get the boat in planning with a poled out jib and reefed main. Usually it is better to take one reef in so that the projected main sail area balances the jib area so that the boat has no tendency to round up and broach

Edited by panos - 29 April 2013 at 11:20

I was not talking about racing!

R U racing with the wive? Lucky U!