Can you sail dead downwind faster than the wind?

[Tom Peterson]

Hi folks - A friend who has been on my catamaran sent me this link. We all know how fast cats are; and most of us know some of the science behind why our boats are so fast. Here is a GREAT story about a guy who built a land vehicle, with wheels, in an attempt to "sail" dead downwind faster than the wind itself. Highly recommended.

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/02/ff_fasterthanwind

[SC15Av8or]

Well on my second sail of this season I did this. It was blowing 15mph and the GPS was showing 18mph. If any of those guys had just a few lessons in flight they would not have even brought up an airplane. If you want more proof go to UTube and search AC45 they are sailing 2x the speed of the steady state wind. The SC is capable 1.5x I hear. I will keep you posted on my attemps at that.

[Eric2101]

I don't have any GPS data, but, I know that when sailing downwind with a spin and in the groove, it feels like you are doing 20 and there is no wind. Vacuumish. At that point you are doing at least the speed of the wind.

[VI Mike]

I think the operative term that makes this so cool is the "dead downwind" part. We cat speed freaks know how to reach, that is for sure. I saw this too and thought it was just too cool! More innovation the better!