So as my user name suggest, I sail a P-19 out of Santa Barbara. I've been considering sailing the Hardway Race this year. I've sailed out to "C" before, so I feel like I've got a fair grasp of what it would be like. What do I need to get ready? Things I should know in advance?
Talk me into this!!!

Last year the Hardway race was opened to beachcats for the first time in recent memory. It was a good race with 8 or 9 boats of different classes (prindle with spinny, several I20's, Nacras and my T with spinny) entering. Due to safety concerns of the RC, the beachcats sailed the inside course...around several oil platforms and into ventura harbor. Took us about 4-5 hours to complete the 35+ mile distance in a light wind day.

I recommend you enter. Check out the latest details on the sailing instructions for required equipement (drinking water, flashlight, marine radio, tow line, flares etc).

Mike.

Go for it. I was driving the P 19 w/ spin last year, but without spin it would have sucked! We had it up 90% of the race and without it we would have been there after dark! Going the right direction helps too, as the two I 20's we beat boat for boat found out...

I am in the process of adding a F-18 spinn to the boat, so that should help.

Just make sure you visit the US sailing Portsmouth modification tables to work out the right handicap number to use...wouldn't want you beating me with a "fudged" number <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Glad to hear you're coming out!
Mike.

I am also adding a F18 spinnaker to my P19. Do you have any pixs?. I am wondering about the spinn halyard cleat (I'm going to use a harken cam cleat on the mast) and the pole to front xbar connection.(Small gudgeon and a U bracket on the pole end).

I haven't got it setup yet, but the first owner had one setup on it, so some of the parts are already there.
I'm using a "standard" pin on a plate rivited to the front beam to attach the pole. and using a cam cleat on the front beam for the halyard as it is already there.

If you look at the performance F-18/N-20 manual it will give you some good ideas about how to set it up.

Mike,

I'll check out the rating issue.