This week we make 2 steps in the design spiral. We define the Sails, Rig, Keel and Rudders. These need to be done together as they are balanced with each other in sailing vessel design.
In this stage of the design the areas of the Keel and Rudders are based on experience numbers, “Rule of Thumb”. The Sail area is based on the initial starting point determined based on comparison vessels.
Not getting the balance between sail and keel right will cause the vessel to have either weather helm or lee helm. Both will require more input from the rudders slowing the boat down.
A well balanced vessel is a pleasure to sail and requires less energy to maintain course.
TradeSailer project 