Sailing a 25 swing keel

[Ed]

I recently bought a 1976 O'Day 25 swing keel. I keep the boat in Groton, CT and want to use it to sail to Block Island next season. I have been reading a lot of articles that indicate the 25 does not do well in heavy winds. I am curious to see if anyone out there has sailed a 25 in this area and if they have experianced any problems with the seaworthiness of the boat. I have sailed in the Fishers Island Sound with no problems, but have yet to venture out to Block Island Sound.Ed

 

[David Hirtle]

Sail away, dude! We owned and sailed a 1976 25' O'day and took the boat (on several occasions) to Block Island, the CT. River and further from Onset, MA. It was a great boat, drop that centerboard (in appropriate wind cinditions/angles) and sail on. Just remember, she's not the QE2.

 

[Rick]

Weebles Wobble but don't fall down

ED,I got caught in a fierce storm w/ winds over 55 mph this summer. Thank goodness the storm moved through quickly and our sails were down. Our 1977 O'day 25 w/swing keel got pushed around alot but kept coming back upright. This storm showed me that this boat can take quite a beating and come through with the mast still standing tall! Have fun!

 

[John P. King]

another block-head

Ed, I took my shoal draft 22, no swing keel, to block island in october. I had steady SW winds about 15 knots.I left my cove at 9;30 AM and watched the sun set over fisher's island as I passed outside napatree on the way home.Nine hours, and averaged 4.5 knots on my gps.It was terrific, and I highly recommend it.

 

[Mark]

Plum Gut and Beyond!

I've sailed my 1975 O'day 25 from Flanders, NY through Plum Gut to the Connecticut River and to Port Jefferson, NY. The next day I sailed to Northport harbor. During the trip west I encountered the dreaded prevailing westerly wind and outgoing tide. While I did turn the motor on once the boat stood up to the 3 foot seas very well. Make sure you check you're weather window.

 

[dave]

go for it!

we used to do it in my dads lightning in the 60's then his 25 corsair. i have a 25 swing and sail in the ocean and often forget to even put down the centerboard until i start slipping going up wind. that will be the only time you need ot for tackingwatch the weather channel and plan a nice spring the summer then fall teip!