Sleeper
I raced my '83, 31 for many years and was very succesful (over 55 trophies). First, keep it LIGHT!!! and keep it balanced. Only keep on board the gear absolutely needed for racing, and stow anything on the PORT side, also all tanks empty and 1/3 tank diesel. Most of the needed gear on my boat was as light as possible (fortress anchor, composite head,etc..) Get a martec folding prop (well worth the 3 second penalty). Tune your rig for upwind running (this boat will beat a J30 upwind if set up right), dead down wind is weakest point of sail without spinniker (spreaders). Recomended sails, Largest roach mainsail that PHRF allows with two reef points (both 1 foot higher than stock) with foot shelf and have less draft built into the sail than they would normally build, also top 2 full battens 3rd 3/4 lenth, bottom standard. JIBS/GENOAS 100% heavy air jib, 128% (yes 128%) genoa in true wind from 16 to 30 knots this will be the best combo if this jib is properly designed and last a 152.5 % light genoa (so you are not penilized 3 seconds for a 155 % (not worth it) get a backstay adjuster for up wind work, it does help with the head stay tension on these boats. Make sure Your boats bottom is as smooth as possible with racing paint.There is more, if you need more explanation email me at l.smoske@att.net
