Sailing techniqueWhat makes ships fast on the cross

Fridtjof Gunkel

 · 27.03.2011

Sailing technique: What makes ships fast on the crossPhoto: YACHT/G. Beauvais
Separating the wheat from the chaff: cruising in wind and waves
Designer Marc-Oliver von Ahlen explains in YACHT which parameters are important and why there are big differences from boat to boat

The complex interplay between the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic systems determines how a boat cruises and what performance it is capable of. In addition to the quality of the overall design of the boat, comprising the hull lines, shape of the appendages, weight and its distribution, rigging and sails, the helmsman's ability to find the ideal compromise between the smallest possible apparent wind angle and the highest possible speed is also important. The aim is to achieve a particularly high VMG (Velocity Made Good, target speed upwind), a value that is crucial for upwind optimisation.

Read all about it in the new YACHT (first day of sale 30 March).

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Fridtjof Gunkel

Fridtjof Gunkel

Deputy Chief Editor YACHT

Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.

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