I am looking for a small keel boat to sail out of Long Beach, CA - which has a bit more wind than most other places in southern California. There are lots of Cal 20's here and good competitive racing in that class, but the boat is quite slow. A little farther north in Los Angeles (Marina del Rey) there are some Martin 242's, which is a much faster boat. However, I understand that the M 242's can be quite a handful in the Long Beach winds. You don't see many Santana 20's here either, probably for the same reason.
I am more interested in coastal day sailing than racing, but still want to race (PHRF) from time to time. Can you suggest some other small keel boats that can handle a moderate breeze and sail faster than a Cal 20? I would like a 18' - 20' boat but, since speed increases with length, that may be difficult (unless I get a lifting keel "sports boat.") In any event, I would like to keep it about 25' or less if possible. What do you think? ** I forgot to mention Single-handed sailing. The boat need to be suitable for that, too. **
Thanks, Richard
I am more interested in coastal day sailing than racing, but still want to race (PHRF) from time to time. Can you suggest some other small keel boats that can handle a moderate breeze and sail faster than a Cal 20? I would like a 18' - 20' boat but, since speed increases with length, that may be difficult (unless I get a lifting keel "sports boat.") In any event, I would like to keep it about 25' or less if possible. What do you think? ** I forgot to mention Single-handed sailing. The boat need to be suitable for that, too. **
Thanks, Richard