Chris 249 said..
If we do some research about the physics of planing hulls, then we see that they’ve been well and truly explained since before David Savitsky did his work. We then know that the physics of planing hulls show that a short, wide area of contact with the water is more efficient in terms of lift for drag, because drag drops by the square as width increases. We can see pretty easily that even if the board was only planing on the tiny patches at the back of each “sponson”, then in just about any chop the waves will be hitting the “tunnel” which will increase wetted surface friction.
I've done 700 kilometres of research on these McKee boards since he brought them July 11. Just sailing like I normally do. Mostly Hydro 155ltr comparing it to my other light wind board JP SLW 165ltr.
In light wind slop chop going 15-20kts I feel it might be riding on the sponsons and tunnel is clear. The nose can hit hard like other boards do but this happens rarely, as I feel the ability to steer it better than other boards, Thus avoiding nose hits, and giving a smooth sensation.
I think I can probably go faster on the Hyrdo than I can on SLW. I know for certain that I can gybe Hyrdo much better than SLW. Hyrdo is 75 wide vs SLW 92 wide. So maybe not the fairest test as they are quite different boards but it's what I've got to compare.
I've noticed Hyrdo planing below 13kts, perhaps as low as 11. That is early compared to my other boards.
Much more sailing distance is needed to say anything for sure.
Great work WA Jim. Not easy bringing things together for a video edit, you've smashed it mate.
And thanks for the tips Antman, I focused on tail pressure around the gybe and it helps
This vid is Hydro with 6.5 and 40cm carbon
