Performance

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From: Skins229 (Original Message) Sent: 02/10/2007 17:55
I imagine that with the relatively short length, high weight, and large wetted area that Top Hat's are quite slow in light winds, but how much wind does it take to get them moving. Reading through this forum, I get the impression that they perform reasonably well, but what does that mean?

What wind strength is required to cruise at 5 knots, close hauled on a boat setup for overnighters or short cruises. (ie not too heavy but not in racing configuration). What is their pointing ability like?

The Top Hat at first glance seems like a great yacht for weekends/holidays away with the family. The stability factor is very important, but I don't want to sacrifice too much performance.

Thanks

Skins




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From: Skins229 Sent: 24/12/2007 02:28
Merry Christmas, and bump.

I'm still interested in answers to this enquiry.

Cheers
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From: marklang2 Sent: 30/12/2007 01:45
Skins,

I'm a rank amateur - with 2 year experience. However, this weekend I was maintaining a consistent 4.5 to 5.5 knots close hauled in about 7-8 knots of apparent wind,

Pointing - well my sails are just about ready to be replaced - so my pointing is mediocre - pretty sure that new sails will improve that aspect of my performance.

Regards,

Mark Langworthy
(Windy Business - handicap winner - Top Hat Sailing Association Annual Racing Competition for 2007)

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From: GosfordPhil3 Sent: 30/12/2007 02:46
Hi
I have just bought new sails for my top hat and it performs well for what it is. I am beating clansmans, bonbridges and beneteau 28 on scratch and competing with endeavour 24/26 and tasman 26 on scratch and winning on handicap. I do better in light winds as the momentum of the heaver boat continues through the holes where the lighter boats stop. They are easly over powered so need to have a reef put in early. If all you want the boat for is inshore racing pick somthing else. If you want an all round performer for inshore, offshore and family cruising then this is the boat.

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From: TalesS435 Sent: 12/01/2008 15:47
In around 12 kts wind yesterday we were doing 5kts on the wind pointing 45degrees.
Our sails are old and streched and it took a lot of fiddling to get the last 0.2 kt, also the hull was slightly fouled (one month) and the outboard motor was in the well.
With new sails, a clean hull and motor up there would be a big improvement. (see Gosford Phils reply).
These boats have performed very well in the past and some do very well now. Elsewhere on this site you can read about John Daymans impressive exploits on Sombrero.
The boat itself however can only do so much. Tales performance has improved dramatically with my improving knowledge of sail trim!

Tom