Hi All,
I recently bought a national 12 (3517) and am curious. I have two rudders, one foiling and one not, and wondered in what situations I would be better off using/not using the T-Foil rudder. I think that whilst I'm training and getting to grips with things I'm going to use the standard rudder but after I've gained enough experience/control I will use the T-F in races.
What are your views?
Thanks in advance.
Have a go with both as the feel will be very different.Experience suggests the following:
- 1. There is less feel with a T-foil - important in light winds
- 2. T-foil provides both lift and drag. In low winds drag can be a problem (also no "feel" see number 1)
- 3. If you are not comfortable sailing the boat flat then T-foil is a handicap (but see number 4)
- 4. T-foil makes high speed gybing and general windy sailing much much easier as it provides stability
- 5. Wings swept aft and upwards (dihedral) seem to be quickest arrangement
- 6. Wings catch weed - so think about where you are sailing
- 7. T-foil is definitely faster as soon as you are both sat on the same side
Enjoy!