Sorry for stealing evan's quote from this already existing topic http://kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=196&t=2399463 ,
but I thought this question earns it's own topic:
For twintip users it might sound strange discussing if it is possible to go even higher than 45° but I think it has two interesting aspects:
1. Upwind angle tells you precise something about the combined "system glide ratio" of kite and foil, which is the most important factor also for lowind kiting.
Always interested if a low AR 4 monofoil could be better than a two wing racefoil with AR >7
2. Even the difference between both luxurious 35° to 45° upwind can decide, if you will be able to pass an obstacle (boat, Island, etc.) or if you maybe have to do two extra tacks and risk to fall in maybe difficult wind conditions behind some islands as this one:
For measuring I think a 3 or better 4 tacks-upwind-track is the most meaningful method, which is not influenced to much by wind direction changes.
I have taken this old and sorry not to nice track from my first test with the levitaz Cruizer monofoil in as I remember just arround 14 knt with a 8,6 m² Sonic²
http://kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=19 ... 5&start=60 But last days I have once been out with the Cruizer and 6,4 m² at up to 30 knts and upwind from visual view felt like a lot better than 30° but no track and would not believe it myself, but hope to make a track in the near future in similar conditions.
So where are the plots from racers when going slow, but well powered not to get the best VMG, but the highest angle?
Very interested to see.