Date: 1/13/2007
Name: Dick Dommel (TA)
email: RLDommel@AOL.com
subject:Portmonths Numbers - Swing vs Fixed Keel
Steve Blumer,Currently, US Sailings Portsmouth listing shows the swing keel to be faster than the fixed. DPN for fixed at 95.6 and swing at 94.8. Check out:
http://www.ussailing.org/portsmouth/tables06/tables06off-3.htm
However, when I was doing a lot of Portsmouth scoring more years ago than I want to remember, the fixed (never saw one at that time) was rated faster than the swing. Something like 95 for the fixed and 96.5 for the swing keel.
The Portsmonth ratings are based on actual performance inputed from participating sail clubs. Since fixed keels are not allowed in class racing and the serious racers are "swingers," there is more data on recent performance that probably has resulted in the swing being rated faster than fixed. The ratings are developed against a base boat which is the Thistle at 83.0.
I believe both keels were constructed the same. The fixed keel was then fiberglassed into the hull. I have never seen a fixed keel in the Midwest or on the East Coast. Back in the early nineties on a trip to Seattle I saw my first fixed keel SJ 21 boat for sale sitting on stands in a marina. I believe fixed keels were only a product of Juan mfg in Seattle where all marinas have hoists to handle boats with fixed keels.
The class should not allow fixed keels in class racing, because really serious and well-financed racers would move to them (disregarding the hardship of easy launching on a ramp or trailering) because the bottom is so much smoother.
Cheers, TA
By the way, looking forward to seeing you on Lake Huntington in July.
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