I'M GETTING INTO SAILBOAT RACING AND I HAVE ?'S

[WALT]

DEAR CAPTAINS, I GETTING READY TO BUY A SAILBOAT FOR RACING. THE SAILBOAT I WOULD WANT: FAST, ABOUT 28-37 FEET, USED 1978-1988, AND GOOD SIZE CABIN. I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT MODEL ARE BEST AND WHAT CLASS I WOULD WANT TO RACE IN. ANY HELP WOULD BE ACCEPT. I HAVE 8 YEARS EXP. SAILING SKIPJACKS "SOMERSET" AND "THE CITY OF CRISFIELD" IN THE CHEAPEAKE BAY.

 

[d j]

How much are you willing to pay ?

Yours is a really tough question. It sounds like racing is more important than the cabin, though you want a large cabin. For starters, you might look at a Tartan, though Hunter may have a better cabin. In my humble opinion (IMHO) those are two of the faster boats that would have cabins. We'll see what others say.Respectful note on Protocol: don't use all caps in your message . . . such is considered shouting and not appropriate unless you intend to shout . . . . <grin>

 

[David Foster]

Look for fleets in your area

If you were on Lake Erie, I would suggest the Tartan 10, or one of the C&C designs.But I would ask at the sailing clubs in your area what people are racing. Then I would volunteer as crew - "rail meat" is always in demand for someone in the race. Since you have racing experience (most of us feel that dinghies are the way to learn, by the way) you have some added value.In this way, you can try out different boats, that are popular where you want to sail. Then use your new racing contacts, the web, and (parheps - this worked for us) and agent to find out what's for sail. Tour the boats/cabins, make sure a survey is part of your offer, and buy one.It's that simple, really.DavidLady Lillie

 

[John]

Henderson 30

Try and find a used henderson 30 and you will beat everyone aound even the Jboats hands down, or look for a used C&C they have nice cabins and very good speeds.Good LuckJohn

 

[Tim]

Things to consider

Walt,Do you want to just have some fun, or really want to win some flags and trophy engravings?If you really want to win, look at boats types with proven winning PHRF ratings or one-designs. PHRF ratings are mostly determined in smoke-filled rooms by a good-old-boy club and you will spend more time and energy trying to appeal a rating you can't compete with than its worth, unless you find a boat with a proven rating. I raced for years on a T-10, and I can tell you its a lot more fun knowing where you finished as soon as you cross the finish line than loitering around it with a stopwatch and scratch sheet trying to figure out if you "saved your time" on the other guys.Whatever you decide, good luck!Tim

 

[WALT]

thank you captains

i need to do more research and ask ? . if i have any ? question i know i can depend on you men. happy sailing captains, ururururuur