Racing question

[Dan]

Our winds are usually pretty light (8-12 kts) around here, so I generally raise the keel up a little or a lot on downwind legs. I never thought it a strange practice until the previous owner said he never did. Any thoughts?

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Downwind w/C22

Yes, I think it is common to raise swing keel while running with the wind on a C22. Mine goes a little bit faster that way. Remember to lower it again a little before rounding the mark to head across or upwind or you'll do some slipping sideways. Actually, the 22 sails upwind with the swing keel up fairly well as compared say with my C14.2 which only goes downwind then, no matter what I do with the rudder. I guess that 500 lbs makes the difference! Dick

 

[Joe Ford]

I Think....

...you are a better sailor than the previous owner.

 

[David]

Keel Racing Position

According to Class Rule C,2: "Retractable keels shall have the cable attached and shall remain in the down position unless the safety of the crew or boat requires otherwise."

 

[Dan]

Thanks

We race phrf here, but the class rule is good to know. There are only a handful of swing keels in the fleet, but lots of other Catalinas.