Best Catalina to race -- Survey

[Tom Spec]

Is there a particular Catalina that's been regarded as one of the best racers/performers over the years?

 

[Dave]

Racer ?? Catalina ??

Tom, There is only 1 catalina, bred to race - The 'original' 38. It was the boat-of-choice for the Congressional Cup for years, until the current 37 was adopted. The hull has a racing history, originally designed as a 1-ton IOR racer by S&S. sail 4 phun ........

 

[Larry]

Racing your Catalina

Tom; Dave is right regarding the Sparkman and Stevens designed 38, an old IOR design. It's a good racer, but I wouldn't want to cruise in one very far, although it has been done. A friend of mine took his to Mexico, but sold it when he got a reasonable offer. They don't have much in the way of room below. You can one-design or PHRF race any Catalina you happen to own, and a season or two or three of racing will make you a better sailor than ten years of casual cruising will. It makes you work at it and pay attention.

 

[Peter C.]

Catalina 27!

Having raced PHRF for several years in South Florida, the Catalina 27 seems to do very well against its PHRF rating. There was one C27, the version made to use an outboard motor in a well, that literally won its class every time out and also walked away with the overall PHRF trophy in several races.