Fun question. I, too, have a Hunter 27 (2009 model--different wood interior only change) and have only sailed it a few times. I have roller furling main and jib and so far feel like I would be competitive with other like size types of boats. If you have a furling main, know that is is taller then the regular main and that will help you in light airs. The main is very big and demands a lot of attention--sheet control, traveler control, outhaul control as well as halyard tension.
The jib is much smaller then those with traditional boats--more like a Thunderbird (T-bird) that we have here in the Northwest. The jib sheet block appears to be sensitive to where you set it--watch your tell tails on the jib.
But another variable might be your prop. I'm using a Max feathering three blade prop and I don't think it is slowing us up at all.
I think the boat is fast--there is a racing version called the Hunter 27X. So it appears that Hunter designed the hull to be quick. My wife and I have had the boat up to 7 knts under sail in 10 to 12 knts of wind. I suspect weight placement will be important if I race this boat.
By the way to Clark--I had a Hunter 35.5 with the bulb wing keel and you are correct. We could not point with the other boats but after I realized this, we would foot off on our own and much of the time be at the windward mark before the rest of the fleet. It drove them crazy and one other skipper actually accused us of turning on our engine. Going downwind, the bulb wing keel was fast and we normally passed other boats in the fleet (if they were ahead of us). With that bulb wing keel we won boat of the year one season sailing against the usual club racers like J35 and J36, C&C 36s, Sabers, Cals and the usual Ericksons and Newports. You have to adjust to the characteristics of your boat. With the bulb wing keel you just could not point but rather fall off and foot.
Keep in touch RVN and let us know how you do. I'm thinking of maybe racing again next season with the H27.
Les
