Article by: James Scanlon

Pyewacket 70, crewed by a mixed team of Australian and American sailors, took overall honors in this years Vallarta race.

The dream team crew of Pyewacket; Tom Addis (AUS), Stuart Bannatyne (NZL), Mark Callahan (AUS), Scott Easom (USA), Torben Grael (BRA), Brian Janney (USA), Robbie Kane (USA), Ben Mitchell (USA), and Matt Reynolds (USA) competed against 28 other teams in the 34th running of the Vallarta race. The race runs a 1000 nautical mile course from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This years race began March 2nd and saw conditions ranging from light and variable to classic open ocean conditions with sustained winds up to 25 kts and 20 foot seas.

Pyewacket, owned by Roy Disney is an Andrews 70 designed by Reichel Pugh. Like many other competitive boats in the Vallarta race and around the world, Pyewacket 70 was equipped with a folding Gori propeller. As opposed to the traditional fixed propeller, the folding propeller flows efficiently through the water while the boat is sailing, decreasing drag by 95 percent. The improved hydrodynamics resulting from this tremendous reduction in drag provide several significant benefits in terms of performance. Firstly, the close to zero drag of the Gori results in a half, to a full knot of boat speed, a difference any boat is sure to notice immediately. This statistic is especially impressive considering the fact that a full knot increase equates to a 10-30 percent increase of the upwind cruising speed of most boats. Additionally, the unobstructed flow of water to the rudder allows for improved pointing.

While it is obvious to see why this upgraded propeller system appeals to competitive sailors, cruising oriented sailors are now beginning to realize the advantages of upgrading their propellers. Besides the decreased noise and vibration are additional benefits of the Gori propeller that may appeal to cruising sailors, there are practical performance characteristics of the Gori which sure to improve the experience of casual boaters.

Unlike the blades of a fixed propeller or folding propeller, the blades of the Gori propeller swivel, adjusting in accordance with the direction the propeller is turning in order to achieve the correct pitch. Because of this function, the Gori is able to avoid prop walk and also generate equal power in forward and reverse. This function of the Gori differentiates it from other folding propellers that don’t adjust pitch but rather fold in completely.

The benefits of a Gori propeller are immediately apparent to any competitive team, and will be thoroughly enjoyed by cruising sailors as well.

Image courtesy of Latitude 38.