The giant wing sail boats of today’s America’s Cup were never even imagined when Howard Chapelle wrote his book “The Search for Speed Under Sail” in 1967. Twelve Meters and their ability to sail close to the wind were considered the apogee of yacht design. Twelve Meters sail 8 knots upwind and 8 knots downwind, no matter the wind strength. In those days the 12’s sailed a modified olympic triangle. Only one race a day because it took 3-4 hours to complete the race, sailed in an area as free of current as was practical; in an effort to make the race as fair as possible.
All of this has changed in today’s world. 40 minute races in an area with strong current, sailing at 40 knots. Regardless of your opinions about which is better; there is no turning back from the thrill of foiling.
There were more real races in the old days. Most of the “races” this time have not really been races. That is unfortunate. That said, you are correct about the thrill of speed. Wow. Bill
Vessels in the Search for Speed actually worked for a living, carrying something more than 5 people, and the big ones definitely got into double digits. The power of foiling was imagined well before the 12 meter era cited above in the “40 knot Sailboat.”