[cchesley]

I'll start by saying that we live aboard and try to keep our tanks topped off or at least above half full. However, that's a bit unfair as we aren't carrying lots of spares, single use tools etc etc as we're not going too far from the N American continent these days.

I usually sail somewhere in the 50-65% of true wind range in winds under 20 kts. The percentage is higher in the lower wind ranges below 8-10 knots. This is to weather. I seldom have used light sails. The screecher and pole are stowed to limit marina fees these days. No spin.

So how fast are we? I can easily beat to weather at 8.5-8.8 kts in 18 knots true. I can point with any cruising sail boat and 'go where she's looking' without abnormal leeway. However, I usually sail at 38-42 degrees apparent going to weather. Likely you do to unless you're a racer type with a racer type boat and headsails. I have not genoa as the jib is self tacking.

Overall, the speed advantage is minimal over most equivalent monohulls but perhaps a bit greater off the wind. The real advantage is that my wife works comfortably at her computer or in the galley most of the time when a monohull would be heeled well over. We sail in our shirtsleeves and slippers when the rest are bundled up in their foulies/survival jackets etc.

At anchor, no rolling and lot's of space. No contest.

Sure enjoying our summer cruise to the Broughton Island group in BC this summer. Comfy, warm, and living large even while sailing with a single reef in winds gusting to 30 kts.