Why limit the thrill of sailing a thoroughbred to E-27 racers? Let's
figure to configure the boat so it is more suited to day-cruising
light-handed on SF Bay and beyond. Start by adding a torpedo-bulb to
the keel. According to Carl S. via Steve Seal, 500# would equal two
hardies on the rail. Next fit a Hoyte Boom for a non-overlapping jib
with slab-reefing. While we're at it, installing a SailDrive would
certainly eliminate the reported hassels with conventional
out-boards. For those who sail often, wet-sail the boat and expect
that there will be a market for a not-raced heavier boat. If, over
time, enough of these E's emerged, a sub-class (no value-judgement
intended) might organize. I believe Alerion Express owners have
started a class with very few boats. Am anxious to receive feed-back
re: the above crazy-talk.
Cheers,
Harvey
925-943-1707