And lovin' it
Hi Joe, I've got an '85. We've only raced non-spin. We started racing it last year in a jib and main series here in the western Long Island sound. They gave us a 231 rating. We had blown out sails and zip experience, but managed 5th out of 12 at the end of 8 races. Quite a mixed fleet... a J24, Catalina 27, Ranger 28, S2 8.5, a Starr, a Columbia 28, even an F24 rated at 99. Got a new main this year, big roach, and a 143 genoa, and got a "legal" PHRF certificate from the YRA of LIS. Double good, cause the boat's much faster and YRA gave us a 240 rating. We've been in 4 races so far:2,3,3,and a 1st two weeks ago (first across the line, too). We actually got hit by another boat about a quarter of the way into that one, so the 1st prevented total depression. We're more experienced in boathandling, starts, and finding more wind, the favored side etc, and I'm pretty happy with our learning curve and results. One thing I learned the hard way... in a regatta back in June, 5 races, 5 2nd's. One guy beat us by 2 to 2:15 minutes each race. Could not get the boat up to speed. A week later I contracted to get the bottom cleaned each week. As soon as that started, boat speed went up a knot+! We could've had that series, but just a few weeks of slime killed us. All in all I'd say racing a 25.5 with this crowd depends on the wind...on a really light day, that J24 moves right by us (2000#'s lighter). On a really blowin' day, 25mph, the heavier boats will get us. The 25.5 is pretty tender, and I'm still trying to find a sail combo that'll keep her on her feet. Anything in between those extremes and this boat has great potential. She points really well, we've pinched off more than a few when neccessary. She's really good downwind...In a 15 miler, we held a big lead on that Ranger 28, rated 208, an entire downwind leg, and most of a beat. He finally caught us on a reach leg and yelled "You're sailing too fast!" We've got plenty to learn, but I'd say I'm really happy with the balance of race performance and that really comfortable cabin below for the celebrations. Feel free with any other questions. Good luck, Brad
