However, I found I could beat the Montgomery in the ocean series
closehauled to the windward mark in high winds and lumpy seas.
I had to tighten the genoa and luff the main (fisherman's reef) and dig
the chine in. At times, shifting weight to create a false 15-20 degree
tilt helped dig the chine in and improve performance too!
Downwind, in lighter winds, I raised my centerboard, the Montgomery
always chose not to, and I always gained a half mile on a 5 mile run.
In lighter winds, with one crew aboard, we always popped the spinnaker,
raised the centerboard and scooted off the swells like a surfboard with
a skeg, out-running the Montgomery! Great fun!
In the early 90's the Olson 30's took over the club racing events and we
all became spectators watching collisions, broken spars, nasty protests,
etc.!
If any Potters want to race Montgomerys, I suggest we sign up for the
Day on the Bay Regatta at Santa Cruz the weekend before Labor Day each
year! It is a predicted log (reverse start) race and alot of fun.
In 1996, I was the first to start, as the smallest boat. I held off a
few of the Santana 22's that made tactical errors, and finished in the
middle of the pack of 80 boats.Unfortunately the Santa Cruz Yacht Club
PCRF computer software did not calculate my boats as small as my HMS 18
(not PHRF eligible) and I was not included in any final race
calculations! It is a charity benefit and WEST Marine is a race sponsor
and gives all race entrants nifty jackets or "fuzzy sweat shirts.
Just some thoughts!
Larry@Monterey
YUUKI HMS 18 #35