Racing an H140

[Bobby McCullough]

Recently I was introduced to racing at the Tennessean Regatta and I decided to try my own H140 in the open class. Well, everyone just left me in the dust as it were. Someone back at the clubhouse suggested that I have what he considers a storm jib. When I checked the Hunter site, there is only 1 jib but there is performance mainsail. Is there another sail configuration I could use? Has anyone raced H140's? I don't really need to win, but I would like to be close enough to the next guy in order to learn something.

 

[John Richard]

"Racing"

Bobby,I don't think that our boats were made for the race circuit. The other day, I got waxed by a Catalina 380 with a full genoa. It really annoyed me and I rationalized that my stock two-blade prop, furling main and race gods were all contributors to my demize. I'm trying to tell myself that the 410 was bought for comfort and coastal cruising, not match-racing! Anyway, I have already started a campaign to convince my wife that we need a folding three-blade prop. John Richards/v Jack's Place

 

[Ray Bowles]

John, I think Bobby is in a different class. Bob,

I wish I would have learned to race a size of boat such as yours. Our boat is a little bigger and I truly miss the 1 on 1 competition you are talking about.To help with your question, I think if you contact Hunter Marine they could be able to steer you to a site or group that is racing this size of boat. Now that Hunter has bought the company that makes these boats they probably want to establish events or class racing events such as you are involved in. Ask Hunter where you can get the info you want.Also if you search out sites for "sunfish" and other smaller boats you should find the tech help you want. These are only ideas from a person that has never been there. I truly am a "wanabe" in your sport.Ray

 

[Edward L Smith]

Check with Race Officials About Handicap

Sailboat racing is an amazement in contradiction. If you stand back and watch, it is apt to bore heck out of most everyone. It is the participation that makes it interesting. Every Sailor who races tries to find a combination of sails that will put them at the front of the finishers. The 170 is a performance boat, the 140 is not. I have the Spinnaker Kit and have been praticing use. The 170 planes in high winds when running and is a major thriller. Of course when you flip it, you are in for a long wet swim while you get someone to help right it. Not a problem with the 140. How ever, I have only had winds like that twice in 4 years. Most races are handicapped so that all Day Sailers are grouped and then there are single class racers such as the JY-15 and etc. The trick is to sail the boat to the best of you ability and the Sailor with the best ability will be first, not the boat with the biggest sails.(Not neccesarily first at the finish line).Fair Winds and Following Seas.