How high should my C 27 point?

[Randy]

I've got an 84 C27, standard rig, shoal keel, 150 r.f. genoa, and a mainsail that can be sheeted to windward. How high should I be pointing relative to the true wind direction? 35, 40, 45,or 50 degrees? When sailing close hauled, I can point fairly well, but at significantly reduced speed, or I can bear off several degrees and go like a freight train. It's tempting to keep the speed up, but that sacrifices distance to windward. This is only my second season with the boat, and I'm strugggling to find the right "groove" in order to make the best "velocity made good" upwind. Thanks for any input.Randy

 

[Robert]

Pointing

I have a C27 '80. Mine does the same thing. I usually take the freight train method and tack more frequently if I am going somewhere. With the same setup I have found that pointing to high becomes more of a hassel than any benefit can overcome as it requires a constant vigil to keep from back winding. I also tend to get a tremendous amount of weather helm whne doing this. But then, I am a bay cruiser and not usually out to 'go somewhere'. Good luck