I have been toying with racing my First 235 with the local club, and even though I would probably do it mostly for fun, I would like to know I've got a chance at some silver. So, the question is this; How does a F 235 stack up agianst S2 7.9's, C&C 27's, J29's, S2 6.9's, Catalina 25's and others in PHRF handicap? Does a boat need to have hi-tech race gear to compete well or can a modestly equiped boat stay in the running?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
K
Kelly Holsten
Unfortunately, the PHRF is not a big help...
I just bought a Beneteau 235 and have been doing far too much computer and paper research with not as much time on the water, although I have already spent six nights on it the first three weeks. I spent the last five days out all day... Actually, a lot of sailing was done last week during Charleston Race Week with a host of VERY competitive boats all around (I was sailing WITH and around them but not in the race). One thing is for sure, to be really competitive, it pays to have good sails in excellent shape as well as a properly tuned rig. Skills equal, I dont think the 235 sails very well unless it's trimmed with attention paid to details. Too tight a leech and the boat is at a standstill. Over trim and you are sitting like fog. Forget about the back stay, outhaul, or vang tension, and you are not doing too well (and dont overlook the importance of a slick, clean bottom). I learned a lot of this the hard way out on the harbor in anywhere from 5 to 25knts. Needless to say, the funky little F235 gets a bit lively in the 20knt range! I have been sailing a Santana 22 lately and the difference is not subtle. To be sure, the Santana has a FAR wider groove and is easier to get speed. You really do need to have your rig tuned properly and trim conditions met. Seems it's VERY important to get the leech tails on the main all flowing back. More often than not, this meant sheeting out. I think attention to rig tuning and sail trim will net you more than any "special" race gear. Be sure to take a look at the tips from Beneteau regarding tuning, trim, and weight distribution (The Z Spars US tips are good too). Also, take a look at light air sailing tips at the F210 site. Also, pay attention to the points from Terry Ellis who writes a lot about the F210 which has the same basic rig as the F235 (even though they are different in other ways). As for the PHRF, this is not going to help you too much as the F235 has a rating that is pretty tough depending on where you are. Try looking at anywhere from 174 to 212. The low end is pretty tough since it puts you near J24 territory. Having a wing keel give you a bit but you lose in sailing ability as the pointing goes down. To be honest, you dont see too many first places but I have seen some good finishes. Do a web search of finishes across the country and you'll get an idea on how the 235 does in various locations. Good luck. Kelly
I just bought a Beneteau 235 and have been doing far too much computer and paper research with not as much time on the water, although I have already spent six nights on it the first three weeks. I spent the last five days out all day... Actually, a lot of sailing was done last week during Charleston Race Week with a host of VERY competitive boats all around (I was sailing WITH and around them but not in the race). One thing is for sure, to be really competitive, it pays to have good sails in excellent shape as well as a properly tuned rig. Skills equal, I dont think the 235 sails very well unless it's trimmed with attention paid to details. Too tight a leech and the boat is at a standstill. Over trim and you are sitting like fog. Forget about the back stay, outhaul, or vang tension, and you are not doing too well (and dont overlook the importance of a slick, clean bottom). I learned a lot of this the hard way out on the harbor in anywhere from 5 to 25knts. Needless to say, the funky little F235 gets a bit lively in the 20knt range! I have been sailing a Santana 22 lately and the difference is not subtle. To be sure, the Santana has a FAR wider groove and is easier to get speed. You really do need to have your rig tuned properly and trim conditions met. Seems it's VERY important to get the leech tails on the main all flowing back. More often than not, this meant sheeting out. I think attention to rig tuning and sail trim will net you more than any "special" race gear. Be sure to take a look at the tips from Beneteau regarding tuning, trim, and weight distribution (The Z Spars US tips are good too). Also, take a look at light air sailing tips at the F210 site. Also, pay attention to the points from Terry Ellis who writes a lot about the F210 which has the same basic rig as the F235 (even though they are different in other ways). As for the PHRF, this is not going to help you too much as the F235 has a rating that is pretty tough depending on where you are. Try looking at anywhere from 174 to 212. The low end is pretty tough since it puts you near J24 territory. Having a wing keel give you a bit but you lose in sailing ability as the pointing goes down. To be honest, you dont see too many first places but I have seen some good finishes. Do a web search of finishes across the country and you'll get an idea on how the 235 does in various locations. Good luck. Kelly
K
keith isakson
racing the f235
I've been racing my f235 for 3 years now. I'm still trying to figure out all her little quirks! She rates D-PN of about 90.5 (singlehanding) This is Portsmouth rating. PHRF is about 210. She goes well, is a lot of fun and, since we all race under handicap, all you have to do is have good sails, NOT make stupid mistakes and you'll finish high in your fleet.
I've been racing my f235 for 3 years now. I'm still trying to figure out all her little quirks! She rates D-PN of about 90.5 (singlehanding) This is Portsmouth rating. PHRF is about 210. She goes well, is a lot of fun and, since we all race under handicap, all you have to do is have good sails, NOT make stupid mistakes and you'll finish high in your fleet.
D
David Walters
Keith, what other boats are there in your races?
Keith, I'm very aware of the 235's narrow groove, but I like the challenge. What I've found is that fore and aft weight/trim is the biggest factor in getting her to go fast. When I do get to racing, I'm definitely keeping a box on the dock to unload the lazarette and aft berth of the cruising toys. I've found she likes her nose in the water, especially upwind. Downwind, I'll move the crew to stern, but not so much as to bury it. What I'm most interested in is how the 235 finishes with other popular models. Like I originally posted, I'd be contending with S2 6.9's, S2 7.9's, C&C 27's, J29's, and probably a catalina 22, 25 or two. I'm most interested in whether the 235 rating is fair enough to compete and win against these boats. Any comments?
Keith, I'm very aware of the 235's narrow groove, but I like the challenge. What I've found is that fore and aft weight/trim is the biggest factor in getting her to go fast. When I do get to racing, I'm definitely keeping a box on the dock to unload the lazarette and aft berth of the cruising toys. I've found she likes her nose in the water, especially upwind. Downwind, I'll move the crew to stern, but not so much as to bury it. What I'm most interested in is how the 235 finishes with other popular models. Like I originally posted, I'd be contending with S2 6.9's, S2 7.9's, C&C 27's, J29's, and probably a catalina 22, 25 or two. I'm most interested in whether the 235 rating is fair enough to compete and win against these boats. Any comments?
K
keith isakson
RACING THE F235
My 235 is a 1988 wing keel version. (We have a fin keel 235 on a trailer but she hasn't been put in yet - it would be a great tuning guide!) Our race fleet is a mixed bag: S2-7.9, SanJuan 34, several SanJuan 24's, C&C Mega-30, Cat 27's, Helms 27, JY-15's, Thistles. Portsmouth numbers from 79 to 96! (In a 30 minute race the 7.9 has to give me a lot of time. I have to give the Cat-22 a lot of time! Bottom line is: if you are as good a sailor (or better) as the "fast" guys in your group you can do well with the boat. Is my rating "fair"? Beats the heck out of me - I'll take Portsmouths word for it! "God, if I could just get a fast start on the good end!" I maintain my rating is "unfair" @ 90.5 (as do all sailors.) I have not claimed a singlehanding adjustment. (Will do so this year for the first time to get that 90.5 - it's only 1%) I have, however, been in "end of season silver" where I sailed enough races to qualify. Thus, since I make several grievous errors each race I have to say the boat upholds her end of the bargain very well. That being said, I find she sails downwind very well - fast. I have a standard spinnaker but, singlehanding, I normally race with a 153 Genoa. She (so far) has not pointed that well. I seem to be about 3-4 degrees shy of the best. I believe this is sail trim and possibly mast rake but it may also be inherent in the design. The solution at this point seems to be "foot off" a little and go for speed. In going to windward she wants to sail "stern-down" (& slow). With no crew to sit windward forward of the shrouds I'm not sure there is a solution to this other than to add as much weight (sails etc) as possible in the bow. (or get a 2-crew). Remember the book: "My 10 years in a Quandry"? Add weight: go slow. Add weight: better balance, go fast. That's what makes sailing interesting, right? Cheers, Keith
My 235 is a 1988 wing keel version. (We have a fin keel 235 on a trailer but she hasn't been put in yet - it would be a great tuning guide!) Our race fleet is a mixed bag: S2-7.9, SanJuan 34, several SanJuan 24's, C&C Mega-30, Cat 27's, Helms 27, JY-15's, Thistles. Portsmouth numbers from 79 to 96! (In a 30 minute race the 7.9 has to give me a lot of time. I have to give the Cat-22 a lot of time! Bottom line is: if you are as good a sailor (or better) as the "fast" guys in your group you can do well with the boat. Is my rating "fair"? Beats the heck out of me - I'll take Portsmouths word for it! "God, if I could just get a fast start on the good end!" I maintain my rating is "unfair" @ 90.5 (as do all sailors.) I have not claimed a singlehanding adjustment. (Will do so this year for the first time to get that 90.5 - it's only 1%) I have, however, been in "end of season silver" where I sailed enough races to qualify. Thus, since I make several grievous errors each race I have to say the boat upholds her end of the bargain very well. That being said, I find she sails downwind very well - fast. I have a standard spinnaker but, singlehanding, I normally race with a 153 Genoa. She (so far) has not pointed that well. I seem to be about 3-4 degrees shy of the best. I believe this is sail trim and possibly mast rake but it may also be inherent in the design. The solution at this point seems to be "foot off" a little and go for speed. In going to windward she wants to sail "stern-down" (& slow). With no crew to sit windward forward of the shrouds I'm not sure there is a solution to this other than to add as much weight (sails etc) as possible in the bow. (or get a 2-crew). Remember the book: "My 10 years in a Quandry"? Add weight: go slow. Add weight: better balance, go fast. That's what makes sailing interesting, right? Cheers, Keith
- Status
- Not open for further replies.