380: Speed on Downwind Passage

[Jerry Woodward]

I'm planning an 85 mile passage from St Martin to Tortola on a charter Lagoon 380 in November. Assuming a downwind run with an average of 15 knots, what average speed would you anticipate? If I am willing to run the engine, is it reasonable to expect 8 knots?

[Ram]

Run the engine to get avarage 8 knots with 15 knots of wind

[s/v Moondancer]

Plan an overnight of 15 hours at 6 knots and leave the engine off.

Even at 8 knots a daylight run still runs the risk of getting you there in the dark unless you leave at 4am.

[Dsanduril]

Plan an overnight of 15 hours at 6 knots and leave the engine off.

+1 with Moondancer if you are at all comfortable with night sailing. I don't think we ever saw 8 knots on the 380 we chartered in the BVI whether under power, sail, or both. Plus, if it really is downwind and you have to run the engines you'll be smelling diesel exhaust coming back up over the boat for 10 hours

[Jerry Woodward]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

+1 with Moondancer if you are at all comfortable with night sailing. I don't think we ever saw 8 knots on the 380 we chartered in the BVI whether under power, sail, or both. Plus, if it really is downwind and you have to run the engines you'll be smelling diesel exhaust coming back up over the boat for 10 hours

Thanks, this is exactly what I was wanting to know. You make a lot of sense. We really enjoyed the last overnight passage, so why not take it easy and do another overnight.