DOUBLE OR SINGLE RUDDER? OCEAN OR COASTAL?
IT´S YOUR CHOICE!
Double rudders are not automatically better. CFD calculations proofed that a single rudder and a close eye on wetted surface is the best for short and medium distance racing in the typical coastal wind conditions around the world. If you want to sail fast and long downwind legs in an average wind speed of 20knots you should choose the double rudders.
With a wide, flat transom, the rudder must be very far forward, otherwise it would come out of the water when heeling. With the V-shaped transom of this boat, a single rudder will stay in the water up to 35 degrees. In inshore racing around the buoys or in medium-distance races with a fairly high upwind component. And very often we sail in rather light winds. At these regattas there are many more starts or situations where you need a "close combat tactic". The rudder is part of the lateral plan and reduces drift. It must not be too small. Upwinds you should balance the boat so that it's a bit weather helm so the rudder has a small angle of attack ... then it creates lift.
Like the AEOLOS P30 this yacht has a flat stern section with heel. The exit angle of the stern lines at heel is almost zero, which means a perfect planning shape. And with up to 30 degrees, the keel weight works very effectively – so you will carry your sails much longer than usual.
Wind Resistance increases in the Square of Speed!
This means that wind resistance is an important issue for fast yachts upwind. Due to the low, round sheerline and the aerodymamic shaped roof, but especially due to the hull shape in front of the mast, this boat has a considerably lower wind resistance than other yachts in this segment. Especially when heeling, the air flow to the jib has less turbulence. On normal the sheerline causes huge resistance and turbulences, the wider the boat, the more.
At the Aeolos P45 the jib is much more effectively due to more usable profile/area - and this without rating penalty.
If you have to move to the bow in windy conditions you will love this shape, the deck offers a almost horizontal gangway when the boat heels.
The wind resistance of hull and deck is underestimated.
