Light air sail suggestions for 23.5 racing?

[Tom Turner]

We love our 23.5 as a perfect family boat. . . This season, I started racing and feel the standard equipment main and jib isn't competitive with the Catalina's, J-Boats, Capris.Any sail modifications or additions/suggestions to help a nice boat go from a floating R.V. to a faster performer?Thanks.

 

[Ken. Shubert]

More sail -- less drag

If you can get more sail area either with a spinaker or with a larger jib, it would help. Don't overlook reducing drag by pulling the centerboard up on a reach. If you can go "wing

 

[Mark Burrows]

A few things

Along with getting a bigger jib, there are a few other things that can allow you to tweek your performance.On the jib:Add tracks and cars for adjusting the angle of the jib.Use hank on jib(s) instead of roller furling.If no spinnaker, consider adding a wiskerpole for spreading the jib downwind and fly it like a spinnaker.On the main:Add a traveler for adjusting twist.Understand how to use the outhaul for giving the sail a bellyAdd telltales so you can see the airflowThe crew:Makesure they are constantly working sail trim and thinkingTacticsCopy the moves of a boat that wins a lot.Know where you are going. Use a GPS to identify your course.Questions:Is your start as good as the rest of the fleet?Where do the other boats tend to run away from you?MarkAdd a traveler