Hunter 33.5 sailing to windward

[Mark]

Can anyone tell me how well the 33.5 sails to windward? I have heard mixed reviews. Does the Fractional rig have any impact on performance to windward?

 

[Merrill Mant]

Fractional Rig

As is the case with all fractional rigs, the trimming of the large mainsail has a huge impact on the boats performance on all points of sail. After years of racing masthead rigs, the fractional has taken some getting used to. I will always trim the main (using telltales) before I get to work on the 130% genoa. I can not give you specific upwind performance numbers as I am awaiting the test run of a new genoa this spring. I can tell you that by changing the main I noticed a dramatic improvement on the boats peformance by getting rid of the OEM main.One comment is that due to the mast height and size of the main, you will find that reefing the main is the 1st step in reducing sail area and you will want to do it very early.I would see no reason that the 33.5 would not perform very well upwind all things considered. Merrill Mants/v Ambition

 

[Gary Wyngarden]

Example

Last June in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on our way to Barkley Sound, we were beating into winds reported at 19 knots at Race Rocks Lighthouse, our first waypoint. We were 45 degrees off the wind, sailing with a working jib and a double reefed main at 6.5 to 7 knots. The tide rips caused 6 to 7 foot waves that were breaking over our bow. Shibumi handled the whole thing like a champ and never faltered. The 335 has no problem going to windward.Gary WyngardenS/V Shibumi H335

 

[Capt'n Bob]

Need more info

Mark,Need more info about your sail plan.How old is your boat ?How old are your sails ?Are they OEM ??Is it a fractional rig ?What is the degree of sweep of your spreader bars ?Do you have an adjustable back stay ?Is your rig a B&R Hunter rig ?What type of sailing are you going to do ?Racing ?RD

 

[Brent Headberg]

Hunter 33.5 to Windward

I have owned our 33.5 for over a year now and have found that beating upwind is one if it's best tack angles. It is very important to keep good trim on the main. My boat has original OEM mainsail, and it is in like new condition. The previous owner never sailed this boat.One of the best ways to get performance out of this boat is to haul down on the mainsheet and use the traveler to trim sail angle for beating up wind.I am very satisfied with the performance of our 33.5Good Luck, fair winds and smooth seas,Brent HeadbergLake Worth Inlet, FLhttp://www.elenalua.homestead.com