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----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Allen"
>
> How does one weight the effects of wind and weight the effects of
> current?
>
> How do the size, shape, and mass of the boat and the hull, and the
> superstructure (masts, flying bridges, etc.) effect these relative
> forces?
>

Its an interesting question and I'm not sure I know the answer, except in my
experience, as here, current does seems to have a disproportionate effect.
In a channel where the tide is acting on a buoy its always impressive how
this
current, that would seem to be mild, makes the buoy strain at its chain,
even
building up a little bow wave. The wind doesn't seem to have any effect.

I guess its because the current has an absolute effect, it moves the boat at
the speed of the current.
By contrast, the wind tends to mostly flow around the boat, so even if its
speed is greater its effect is a lot less.

   

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