lucjdekeyser - "and what about the comment that, at least in this year's race, a short tacking boat would be best to able to handle the very variable wind directions ..."
A quick tacking, high pointing, heavy boat will always have the advantage going against the wind and waves in a narrow channel or going against the wind in general.
But, I have kayaked these channels especially around Quadra and Hardwicke and generally race and win against motoring sailboats (they probably didn't know they were in a race and it is relatively rare to see boats sailing there) not taking advantage of the counter currents on the side.
If the wind is being funneled straight down the channel at 40 knots though, it is insane to try and fight it.
On the other hand with 10 to 15 knot variable winds (and the light winds are always variable ) or the mornings when it is a lake, the advantage goes to the light boats, especially if they can pedal and take advantage of the currents.
Once out of the inside passage, if the winds are light then the advantage goes to the proa once again especially if the crew is willing to go around Queen Charlotte.
This is a very long race though and the wind and waves will not always cooperate. This year the weather Gods favored the heavy punchers.
At Annapolis there is a sign at the entrance that says something like you can out think the sea but you can't out punch the sea.
Talador
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Posted by: taladorwood@yahoo.com.au
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