Bethwaite's concepts of stability and performance

Bethwaite's concepts of stability and performance address how a boat responds to movement and how well it navigates through conditions. Stability refers to the boat’s ability to balance and resist tipping over, providing safety and predictability. Performance relates to how quickly and efficiently the boat accelerates, turns, and maintains speed, especially in challenging conditions. A well-designed boat balances these aspects, being stable enough to handle rough waters while remaining responsive and fast. Bethwaite emphasizes that optimal performance often involves managing the trade-off between stability and agility, focusing on the boat’s capacity to be both safe and sporty.