h23.5 Racing Tips

[Bill Jones]

I own a 1996 H23.5 and sail on a lake in Kentucky. We have a sailing club that races 8 - 10 times a season. I participate minimally in the racing portion of the club activities, but am tired of being dusted by other boats (Catalina 22's) on those few occaisions that I race. Some of the racers are super serious. Boats have been modified, only race, never cruise, etc. However, I don't claim to be the best skipper and am sure that I'm not nearing the potential of my 23.5.I do not plan on any big time modifications, but if there are any racing tips on boat handling characteristics of the 23.5 that could help me get a bit more speed, I'd appreciate the advice.Thank you,Bill Jones

 

[Beau Lawrence]

Start with the obvious

Hey I will start with the obvious b/c thats all I know. Sail trim....I crew on a larger vessel (36 ft Beneteau). I thought I knew enough to get by... I was wrong. You already may be an expert but if not buy a book. I know so much more now than before I started crewing with a real experienced crew. (Capt. has been to J-World school, raced for years, crew is just as good.) I am able to get an extra knot out of my 23.5 just by tinkering with the things they do. Next is weight. If its not required. Remove it. Its so important the Beneteau Capt. has the beds removed from his boat when doing course races. You might also look at weight distribution. Are you and the crew on the rail (steer with extention) That were I would start. (like I said obvious) Do you have a knot meter. It will really help you learn.Good Luck (I am going to race my 23.5 this spring against a Catalina 22 fleet.)

 

[Dan]

Racing 23.5

BillI shared in your frustration years ago! Now my boat is very competive and have won many races in the last couple of years. Your 23.5 is plenty fast enough but there are a few things that will help! As commented in the response before mind, Sail trim and shape, it's hard to accomplish on the 23.5 due to the lack of a track and traveler. If you install a track, you will find that you will be able to point much higher than before and will also allow you to better shape your head sail. A 24" track will give you about 11 degrees to 13degrees. Also, if you are using a roller furling, make sure your sail is cut to fit deck! so often with the roller the head sail is way to high off the deck making it difficult to point! Those adjustments will take care of the pointing issues. As far as a beam to run, the 23.5 is extremly fast the way she sits, very few will keep up! Only suggestions I have is to pull the keel up and use a whisker pole on the runs! If you have any other questions feel free to email me! Dan PKTRIPPE@AOL