Boating, biking & boarding – in Southeast Asia

A second trial with the M23 trimaran saw the addition of a new code zero headsail… good addition, well worth the extra expense! In the sub 6 knots of breeze that we tried it in, the Code Zero made a huge difference by adding a good couple of knots onto the boat speed although it pulled the tacking angle down. All round it made the boat more lively (predictable).

At about 8 knots of air there is a big crossover point where sailing with the self-tacking blade headsail gives really good upwind angles and in about 8 knots of air we managed high-sixes and sevens. In the same breeze and trying to hold high angles the Code Zero powered the boat up to lively levels but the pointing angle was about 20 degrees lower (also predictable).

The other interesting fact was sailing with a few F16’s that happened to be out on the water at the same time. In the light and puffy air the M23 was pointing slightly higher and maintaining similar speeds with the F16 cat. Although as soon as the F16’s got enough puff to hop on the trapeze they zoomed ahead. Reaching angles, another interesting point as well – speeds were similar with the M23 having the Code Zero advantage!

What this all means? It will be an interesting weekend if we manage to get the 56sqm asymmetric spinnaker in place as the Code Zero is only 22sqm … and things will get very interesting when the Northeast Monsoon season comes around!

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