Quote:
Originally Posted by dinocuri  I own a Lagoon 440. Its not a slow boat. Average speed when I am cruising is 10knots. |
Hitting 10-12 knots in ideal conditions on a day sail is one thing and I find this believable for the 440. But, when the term "cruising" is used it implies sustained passage making. Under passage making conditions (i.e. sailing 24 hours a day for numerous days) this claim of 10 knots is not as believable. 240nm days AVERAGE in a heavy under canvased boat like the 440... unlikely.
Perhaps I'm all wet and
dinocuri is a very intense sailor who likes to take risks drive the boat hard and choose to sail in higher wind ranges. But, I must point out this is not AVERAGE behavior for a cruising sailor making passages. Cruising people who are in it for the long term like to have pleasant and safe passages and thus choose weather very carefully and don't set hard schedules. It is not a race it's about taking care of the boat so she takes care of you. I share this perspective as sometimes claims of speed can get a little outrageous and for those lacking significant cruising experience there needs to be a balance of perspectives.
I own a very fast cat (Chris White Atlantic 42) and I plan 8 knots for a passage making and yes, I go faster sometimes. But, if you asked me I'd say 8 knots average for passages is a good planning speed. And sure I can go out and light it up for a day sail and sail mid teens plus, but this is not AVERAGE cruising. I believe 7-9 knots AVERAGE would be more realistic and perhaps even a tad optimistic for the 440 in cruising mode.