The 2006 North American Championship regatta was completed at Bay View Boat club in San Francisco recently. 13 boats showed up. Sailors came from region I and II and III on the east coast, and from SDgo and LA, as well as SF and NorCal.
Much of the FD’s well known power and upwind speed in particular is rightfully attributed to its generous sail area in relation to the boat’s weight. Fairly unique in the world of high performance dinghies is the FD’s use of an overlapping genoa. This feature provides special challenges for the sail designer in trying to achieve optimal shapes. The effective range of sail designs is of course broadened by the adjustability of the rig, but let’s take a look at some special features.
The underwater control surfaces on an FD are asked to perform more than one task. Both the rudder and centerboard provide lift upwind, and to much different extents provide directional energy. Both the rudder and centerboard shape, range of adjustment and weight are governed by the class rules.