A sailboat race is held on a river that runs directly North to South, with a current of 12 knots. A 25 mile race is held going downriver (south). The first heat is held early in the day when there is no wind. The second heat, also going downriver, is held later, when there is a 12 knot tailwind (from the North). In which heat are the fastest times recorded?

In the first heat, the boat will be slowed by air resistance.  In the second heat, it will not.  Therefore, the faster time will be recorded in the second heat.

Posted by hoodat on 2007-02-13 12:22:21