Under powered or extra heavy boats will be less than 1. This ratio measures the fineness of the hull. Many newer designs favor wider hulls which have a larger interior volume, sail flatter, and have high reaching and down wind speed potential. The study concluded that boats with values greater than 2 should not compete in ocean races, due to their high inverted stability. An empirical term developed by yacht designer Ted Brewer.
Large numbers indicate a smoother, more comfortable motion in a sea way.
The equation favors heavy boats with some overhang and a narrow beam. These are all factors that slow down the boat's response in violent waves. Racing designs can be less than 20, and a full keel, Colin Archer design, could be as high as 60. G, Intolerable begins at .18 G. Spending much time under these levels of acceleration reduces physical effectiveness and decision making ability through sleep deprivation. The radius term assumes an off center berth located 1.5 feet inboard from the maximum beam.