Where I sail, Lake Erie the T31 rates 144 and the 323, 150. Over the years there have been more than a few Tartans raced around here since they are built here. The factory campaigned one when they first came out as I recall and they performed to a rating of 126. The average guy most likely can't get that level of performance out of the boat but the potential is there. The 323's lack of a genoa, keel shape, and wetted surface all work against it going upwind in less than 12 knots of apparent wind. Those things all work against the 323 in conditions that prevail in our vicinity. The fractional rig, small headsail is a disadvantage in our area where the summer windspeed average is 9 knots. I've had a bit of experience racing on a C&C 115 with a wide shroud base and a fractional rig not unlike the 323. The bow falls off in less than 10 knots and waves compared to the masthead rigged competition. At 12knots the 115 takes off. Now if you are talking SF bay, the 323 is definitely faster around the course. Offshore reaching conditions with the wind up the 323 is faster. Light to medium reaching, the T31 with its genoa and higher righting moment should be equal or faster.
Just looking at the averages in the US PHRF book doesn't tell the whole story. If you look at the various PHRF areas none of them report more than one 323 racing. A lot of committees, with little experience with a boat, copy some other areas number because they have little empirical data to go on.
Just looking at the averages in the US PHRF book doesn't tell the whole story. If you look at the various PHRF areas none of them report more than one 323 racing. A lot of committees, with little experience with a boat, copy some other areas number because they have little empirical data to go on.