DavidB wrote:I have a 26 D which has almost the same bottom as the 26 M. The fastest that I have had my 26 D was 6.6 knots down winding and the dagger board pulled up to give less drag. Oh and the wind was blowing about 20 to 25 mph made for a interresting ride.
I sailed in a few races in San Diego Bay for a few years, and NO Doubt the 'D' Model was Rogers fastest boat...by far. Over the years Catalina 22' s,Hunter 260's, and 26's, all were smoked! As an 'X' owner I have dropped out because I took pity on others waiting for the next race. They'd wait forever for the 'X' fleet to come in! Then we tried the handicap start's it helped but still 'X' boats were the ones in dead last.
Sorry, we don't really have fast sailor...they truly are slugs, I know it, live with it, but yes the 50 ponies are needed!
Dare I mention Frank M's name lest he rear his ....head in our direction again. As said before I'd host him in a heartbeat to show me how to win ANYTHING in this boat, it's just not a contender!
Don't at all get me wrong, get out and race, it impoves skill and confidence in your boat....just do not look for trophies at the end of the day!
Max speed ever....Two GPS verification was 9.2 Knots Broad Reach 100% Jib, no reef, Ocean swells 2-3 feet, full ballast, current was cooperating! 15-20 knot wind.
Nope, never obtained this in a race, but believe me it gets easier to handle ANY boat, the more you use it!
I do have an electric water pump. (independant 'C' cell battery type) that I will probably end up using, as I singlehand without ballast. Very carefully I might add, keeps ya on your toes, 10 Knot max wind speed, then I douse, fill ballast, and continue on! It is faster, but let me tell ya please use caution! If she broaches, the ONLY way I'll be able to right her is to fill that ballast up.... I do know that!
That's in the manual also, and not foolhardy as it sounds! It just doesn't tell ya how to right her IF she turtles' doing it!