Ive no doubt rigid is faster. and not by a bit but a lot faster. Greenbird managed 126 mph on land. The thing here is that reefing probably isnt reliably possible so the wing relies upon a zero AoA set. The profile drag at zero lift is better than a reefed standing rig, but I know what concerns Rob is what happens if the wind shifts and the bearing sticks.

Still there is something here worth exploring as a perfect bearing for 50% of sail area might be more achievable than the right soft wing design selection with all its parts.

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    This is really  not a realistic assessment.  A rigid wing is capable of driving something much faster than a single surface sail.... that is indisputable.   It's a perfect match for foiling craft and wheeled craft, not so much ordinary sailboats, where it is power that is needed, not the ability to still develop lift when sailing well in excess of wind speed, which is where the rigid wing will shine.   In boats we do not have the low friction environment to be able to harness the potential of rigid wings effectively.   In theory at least one should be able to go multiple times wind speed on a reach......the reality is different for our use.  

    This really IS a classic example of the kid who thinks applying Indy car technology to a car used as a daily driver is a great idea...........  In ordinary sailing it is OTHER limitations that hold our speed to within certain limits.  Racers resort to huge long hulls, foils, etc to get wave making and friction down.  It simply doesn't apply for most of us.   Under typical sailing conditions, that fabric from the other face of the soft wing sail would serve us better as more sail area.

                                                                                                                                                                        H.W.

   

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Posted by: StoneTool <owly@ttc-cmc.net>

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