I've only sailed an SC27 once, the Express many times,

but here goes:

Although they look similar, and the Express reflects

Carl Schumacher's experience sailing SC27's, they're

actually quite different.

The SC 27 is a masthead rig, with a huge kite and a

stiff, heavy mast; the Express a fractional, with a

relatively small kite, and a light, bendy mast.

The SC is heavier, and some of that is in the keel, so:

The SC is easier to drive to windward, but slower

downwind, imho.

The SC27 has a narrow stern, the Express carries its

beam well aft, and has a big rudder, both of which

make it very easy to drive downwind.

The SC has a deeper, and some would say, more

comfortable cockpit, with the traveler at the front, so you

can actually sleep on the seats; the Express is a bit

shallower, with the traveler right in front of the helm, so

it's easier for the skipper to trim the main...

They're both very cool boats. The Express tends to

bring a higher price, Big Express fleet in SF; most SC's

in Santa Cruz.

Larry Fisher

Express 27 #69 Gwendolyn

Evan Frazier on 2/17/102 5:27 PM said:

>>What are the primary pluses and minuses between

the Express 27 and the Santa Cruz 27? I know this

might be a biased audience to ask that question but I

thought I would ask. Thanks.

>>

>>

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