Smaller Race Boat - Recommendations

[RAD]

If I was looking and keeping a big boat I'd look for a reasonable priced C&C 25, Pearson 26 and Ranger 24 or 26.....any of these 4 race well

 

[Joe]

Our boat and sails got pretty beat up racing this year (not surprised) and my better half is none to pleased about this. I'm giving some though to retiring her from events and looking for a smaller boat that we can use to race.

My favorites include a J24 or a J35.

Looking for suggestions from others who race on smaller boats with crews of 3-5. Also, the cost is a big factor as we would now have two boats to deal with which can get pretty expensive.

What's your budget? I'd look at Capri 22, Sonar, J-80..... J-24 is a very competitive fleet.

 

[Bill1565]

Buy what racers in your area have. Racing even up is much more a test of skill. I know, I used to be a PHRF handicapper

If it is trophys you are after, buy them. It is wayyy cheaper.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

On a windy day a J/24 is better with 5. On a windy day, of course sailing is more work, regardless of the boat type. And there are handicap fleets that are not as competitive as one design where J/Boats are used, so I disagree on some comments above. And, the J/22 is a really neat boat and fast. If you are racing one design, then all the boats are the same and you play that game. If you are racing in a handicap fleet, it is more fun to have a fast boat or at least one that is competitive with your competition. It is no fun to be the last one across the line and the race committee is patiently waiting for you to finally finish. If you are new and learning, That's one thing. But if you have a slow boat that can't get out of its own way, then you need to find a different boat. One comment is about having to fly a spinnaker. Well, that is part of racing. If you don't want to own a bag of terror, then sail the beer can races and don't worry about it. Find the level you are comfortable with, but don't let someone else tell you what your comfort level is based on their comfort level.

 

[Cayennita]

More and more clubs and regattas are offering non-spinnaker classes. I race in the Caribbean and mostly non-spin. Less crew and more fun. Of course I added 600 pound bulb to make up for racing with 5-6 crew. The Chicago-Mac this year had 49 cruising boats in two classes and start a day before. Many were in Mac by the time the fleet started arriving. There are also many double handed classes. You can race the 36.7 and enjoy it. I use dacron sails.