Pearson 323: A good choice for the Chesapeake Bay?

[RichardM]

I'm considering a Pearson 323 for sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

She is very well equipped and maintained, but I wonder about her suitability for the light airs we have in the summer. At 12,000 pounds, she is heavier than a lot of boats in this size range. Is she likely to be in the middle of the pack in terms of speed or toward the rear? I don't plan to race her, but also don't want to have to motor constantly in light air.

Any thoughts, especially from owners, would be much appreciated.

[Jeff_H]

I am a big fan of the 323 for people who live in windier venues and who want to do a proportionately large amount of cruising relative to daysailing. That said they are a poor choice for the Chesapeake where light air sailing ability is important and a little bit of performance under sail makes a very big difference in the number of your choices for cruising destinations.

Jeff

[SailorMitch]

Richard, the Chesapeake is chock full of happy P-323 owners. To reach some of them, post your question on either the Sailnet Pearson email list, or join the Pearson email group on Yahoo. There has been a lot of traffic on both about the 323 lately. Also, check out www.pearson323.net for information. The boat is no speed demon in light air, but it moves nicely from what I hear. But get the information from the owners directly.

[RichardM]

Thanks for the help on my boat choice. I'm going to have a look at a 323 on Tuesday.

Richard