Hey Team,

I'm thinking about doing this event - www.sanfranciscospeed.com . I've some apprehensions due to past calamity (floating turtle into the open ocean...), in this part of the bay. I'm pretty much assured of some high speed crashes ( 25- 30kts.wind velocity expected...) ; but suspect the boat might be alot faster than most would predict and would like to validate this...

I know a Tornado and an Open 40 catamaran are entered. How will the F16 do relative to these (lets say in 25kts. ...) on speed ? Can the F16 break 20kts. under any conditions for a 500 M mean ? Your thoughts regarding boat setup etc (how flat can I make the kite ....?).

Thoughts?

Paul

Paul, Wanna do it 2-up? That will add safety and still get the F16s on the record book.
Eric

Yes !!

Thanks Doc ! I'll call you tonite

PK

Did you participate? Not much info on the boats at the website....

Paul and I simply counldn't connect to do the event. By all reports, conditions were lighter than usual at the SF City front. The results on the website are a bit confusing. This was their inaugural event. MAybe we'll try it next year.

So what was the wind, and how fast was the fastest guy, sailig what? I had my gps show me doing 16mph on a Hobie 14 (in 25 knots of wind) so I would think a F16 with spinnaker could easily do 20 on a proper reach/run.

20 mph = 17.3 knots. I have a few tracks showing that speed on a F16. So yes an F16 will go that fast although it gets much harder with every additional knot.

I think the max recorded F16 speed is just over 18 knots right now. I think 20 knots is achievable by a skilled crew under pretty normal conditions, but that will be quite close to the real top speed of the design.

In special conditions like really flat water and such, a little more could be achieved but I dare not estimate how much more. By that time you are really sailing on the edge.

Wouter

The SF Bay area is known for high winds but rough water as there is a very fast tide running out, with a good wind blowing in, funneled under the Golden Gate Bridge. Great for windsurfers who like to jump waves but I don't know about speed sailing on a cat!