Gybing angles

[musdavis]

A question for the racing fleet!

Whilst running downwind under spinnaker what angle to the wind is the fastest for an IF Boat? ie maximum VMG.

[maja]

It all depends on the actual wind force.

• In a very light wind the apparent wind angle could preferrably be as large as about 45 degrees from the "contra course" (= course - 180) in order to maintain the boatspeed.
  
  In a moderate breeze the apparent wind angle could be reduced to about 30 degrees.
  
  In fresh and strong winds the apparent wind angle should be kept as close as possible to the contra course without making the boat to fall ino an uncontrollable roll.