Hey Everybody, I'm considering entering in the annual Fugawi race from Hyannis to Nantucket this May. I've got a 1977 C-30 standard rig with a tired main but a new 150 Doyle Quicksilver Genoa on a roller furler. I have no vang, no downhaul, a 2 blade prop and a clean bottom. I have about $500 for improvements to the boat to make it more competitive & here's a few questions: 1. Will $500 get me anything that will get me meaningful speed improvements? 2. Any tips on how to get the most out of what I've got? 3. What racing characteristics does the C-30 have? 4. Any special tactics I should know about with this boat? I've crewed on a J-105 about 25 times, but this is going to be the first race where I've skippered. Any help would be much appreciated!! Thanks in advance, Allen Schweitzer s/v Drambuie C-30 Hull# 632
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Allan,Racing?
Geez Allen, I've seen your posts for years,and I've never thought of you as a racer. Anyway, for less than $500 I'd reccommend getting a Garhaur rigid boom vang for your boat.($253)Facory direct on the net. Since you don't have a vang, you will be amazed at the quick powerful control you will have at the leech of your main sail. In light air, the rigid vang will support the boom giving you an even fuller mainsail. I know you have raced before, so you know how to use a boom vang. I honestly think this is the best investment for you. Did I mention that it is 20 to 1. Wow! I also have an older Cat30. Good luck to Ya', Sean
Geez Allen, I've seen your posts for years,and I've never thought of you as a racer. Anyway, for less than $500 I'd reccommend getting a Garhaur rigid boom vang for your boat.($253)Facory direct on the net. Since you don't have a vang, you will be amazed at the quick powerful control you will have at the leech of your main sail. In light air, the rigid vang will support the boom giving you an even fuller mainsail. I know you have raced before, so you know how to use a boom vang. I honestly think this is the best investment for you. Did I mention that it is 20 to 1. Wow! I also have an older Cat30. Good luck to Ya', Sean
First C30 Race
Allen Sean's right. Save the other $250 for ice & beer. And have a great time - you've earned it. BTW - a C30 is a tad bit slower than a J105 - but you already knew that, right? Stu
Allen Sean's right. Save the other $250 for ice & beer. And have a great time - you've earned it. BTW - a C30 is a tad bit slower than a J105 - but you already knew that, right? Stu
recut main..
You might consider taking the main in to a local sail loft and see if they can spiff it up a bit. A recut might be helpful - shouldn't cost too much. The vang is a good idea... but if you can make up a soft one for a hundred bucks or so, you'll have plenty left over for other things. Like maybe a hundred or so for the recut, then rig a cunningham for 30-40 dollars. Check the outhaul.. fix it if it doesn't work because you need every control working. Service the winches... check the sheets and halyard. I think the most important thing is a clean-fair bottom (for a sailboat also) if you really want good performance. That leaves plenty for beer.
You might consider taking the main in to a local sail loft and see if they can spiff it up a bit. A recut might be helpful - shouldn't cost too much. The vang is a good idea... but if you can make up a soft one for a hundred bucks or so, you'll have plenty left over for other things. Like maybe a hundred or so for the recut, then rig a cunningham for 30-40 dollars. Check the outhaul.. fix it if it doesn't work because you need every control working. Service the winches... check the sheets and halyard. I think the most important thing is a clean-fair bottom (for a sailboat also) if you really want good performance. That leaves plenty for beer.
Prop
I think for about $500 you should buy a Martec folding prop that will really improve speed. You will get hit on your PHRF rating but if you do the math and are gaining 1/2 kt the 3 seconds a mile penalty (I think)will be well worth it. Boat should still power well and without the drag of the fixed prop you will be faster. My 2 cents. I live in Florida now and sail a new Catalina 320 but did Figawi in 1987-1990. Miss that race a real lot, now all I have is the dismal Naples to Key West race to look forward to!
I think for about $500 you should buy a Martec folding prop that will really improve speed. You will get hit on your PHRF rating but if you do the math and are gaining 1/2 kt the 3 seconds a mile penalty (I think)will be well worth it. Boat should still power well and without the drag of the fixed prop you will be faster. My 2 cents. I live in Florida now and sail a new Catalina 320 but did Figawi in 1987-1990. Miss that race a real lot, now all I have is the dismal Naples to Key West race to look forward to!
Thanks Everybody
Thanks for the ideas. These are all things I've been considering...especially the vang. Great feedback. Wish me luck!! --Allen
Thanks for the ideas. These are all things I've been considering...especially the vang. Great feedback. Wish me luck!! --Allen
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