I could have - half again as wide a boat - twice the mast - 3 times the sail area -
and then - what would I have then ?
I would have to change sails every time
it blows - would have spend 10 times the money for it !
and not so safe manuevering in the harbor - not so safe anywhere
- not so fast changing direction -
I would outrun my true wind even more on beating - in light
conditions -
wondering later - why I didn't make any way to where I wanted to
go - but going fast there !
there is on optimum of sail area for any application -
and I - want to go sailing on over the ocean safely + comfortly - with as little as possible ........
really now - for on 31' / 500 lbs - with
good aerodynamics between water and rig - and the rig - too -
200sf seems about right for most areas -
but you can have 500sf if you want to -
especially just zipping across the bay on a summer day .....
or do you want to win "the race" - on 100' / 10 tons /
10 000sf ? ---- anything you want !