Customer Reviews

Sail Performance: Techniques to Maximize Sail Power

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first book of Marchaj's I have read, at the advice of the Amateur Yacht Research Society. It is an excellent survey of the physics of sail power, focusing primarily on sail issues. It is a fascinating read for any sailor who cares about the performance of their vessel or is curious about an explanation of sail physics beyond the five-minute airfoil explanation.

I found this book a great help in sorting out the relative importance of sail fullness, trim angle, mainsheet tension, luff tension and vang tension. The result for me is faster sailing and better finishing positions.

Winning a sailboat race starts with proper sail trim. Marchaj describes in great detail sail aerodynamic throry with illustrative wind tunnel measurements and clear diagrams that allow me to understand the basic concepts. This understanding allows me to focus on the important aspects of sail trim during a race so I can continuously maximize my boat speed.

He explains how to use wool streamers to show what the flow is on the lee side of the sail. The use of wool streamers allows me to rapidly trim the sail to an optimum point.

Tony Marchaj's book "Sail Performance" is a very detailed and technical book on aero and hydro dynamics and other aspects that make a sail boat go fast. A little overkill for my taste, but if you put the time and effort in, you will get a lot out of this book. Some of the diagrams a very helpful and one of the best I have come across. The writing is straight forward and logical. This is a book you will keep forever in your collection due to the depth of knowledge presented. Another book to consider is "High Performance Sailing" and off course "Maximum Sail Power".