I've raced the Viper at 385lbs, 175kgs, so long as there was wind we weren't punished too badly by our weight. When the wind was up, we were untouchable going to weather, and not too bad off downwind.
I sailed my Capricorn at 186kg initially before getting down to 164kg. The heavier we were, the more it hurt us even in a blow. Upwind we saw minimal loss when fully powered up but we were still displacing more water. Our main was cut with a bit more depth to give us extra power, something an OD class does not have the luxury of. Downwind, windy or light, we could not get the same depth as the guys running close to the 150kg min weight.
When it is close racing and equal skill level, weight DOES play a big role.
Originally Posted by Wouter
So explain to me again why the equipment should actively favour "all male lardy teams" instead of lighter mixed crews ? ......................... The experience with the F16's is however clear: the optimal weight for them is NOT 120 kg or less, no matter how many times you keep peddling that misconception.
I personally believe the F16s ideal weight would be more around the 130kg mark. 150kg is not “Lardy”, that is 2 x 75kg men. I would imagine a target combined weight for mixed would be about 135kg (75kg male, 60kg female) and for all female, 120kg (2 x 60kg)
If mixed is the go, then the Viper would be the perfect choice.
