C&C 26 racing

[Frank Baker]

We have enjoyed our 1976 C&C 26 on Lake Erie for 25 years. We have periodically raced her and in the last few years have begun to race her more. Our results have been very mixed. We mostly race jib and main with a relatively new fully battened main and a 150 and 170 jib. She seems to have sweet spot going to weather in 10 knots of wind but seems to quickly get overpowered if wind speeds increases. She runs downwind pretty well with the 170 and the spinnaker pole. Our PERF rating seems to be a bit to our disadvantage.
Just wondering if anyone has had much experience racing this model that might have some sage advice.
Frank

 

[Cayennita]

I'm sure that by now the PHRF rating is correct. 236? with a 155%. Any thing bigger will penalize you too much. The 170% is from the old MORC days and most of the time you are overpowered. I would get the boat rerated for a 150-155 whatever your area uses for minimum LP. Also remember that the rule says that the boat will be in perfect condition. Bottom, keel, sails, empty, etc. Downwind a flat sail is more effective than a sail with a deep curve. Large overlapping sails are not very effective except on reaches and beating. The keel and rudder shape are obsolete and not deep. The ability to go to windward is directly proportional to the draft. Work on that bottom this winter. I would go to the Chicago boat show and question the various sailmakers there.