Jim, Based on my experience with racing and cruising C&C designs offshore and in the PNW, below is my “tail happy” rating of boats I have owned or sailed extensively (listed most stable to most tail happy):
1970 C&C 43 (modified deep rudder); 1974 C&C 39 with deep rudder upgrade; 1974 C&C 39 with original rudder; 1980 C&C 36. The most tail happy 1980 36 is still my wife’s favorite for PNW cruising. She prefers the 36 over the 43 to the extent that she has recently stated “I wish we had the 36 back, can you find one and trade?” Her preference is based on ease of handling around fixed objects and when anchoring. The 43’s powerful sail plan and extra 10,000 lbs of displacement are also a concern. For PNW cruising including around Vancouver Island the 1977 38 should be excellent. I would downplay the concern about the IOR style handling issues when powered up unless you plan to aggressively race. We have raced Calypso in the local (PNW) Cruiser/Racer events mostly double-handed or with 4 to 6 crew. Calypso does very well in a blow but suffers from poor light air performance made worse by the cruising gear we added back when the plan was to head for Mexico. In short, I would not hesitate to sail a 77 C&C 38 anywhere in the PNW, and be comfortable in sailing it to Mexico or Hawaii. We keep Calypso at Shilshole Bay Marinia. If you are in the Seattle area Saturday I will be on board setting up for this winter’s projects. Drop me a line if you want to meet and discuss old school C&C sailing. Martin Calypso 1970 C&C 43 Seattle From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of lynchja...@comcast.net Sent: Monday, December 30, 2013 6:50 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Stus-List Scouting report on old C&C 38s Hello gang, I’m just about to close the deal on a 1977 C&C 38 Mark II. The boat is updated and loaded for cruising. I love its lines and the way it sails—at least on my sea trial. And I’ve had a crush on 1970s C&Cs since I was a teenager. It surveyed well but I’m still wishing I could hear from more people familiar with racing and cruising these old 38s. I enjoy racing but my primary intention with this boat is to cruise it in Puget Sound and in and around Vancouver Island. For my tastes, It seems like a nice roomy fast cruiser. From listening to a few racers, one potential concern is it might broach too easily with the chute up in a breeze. While I don’t intend to fly one often, I’d obviously hope it’s not too unstable downwind. I know some IOR designs are notorious but I’m not always clear whether to blame the design or the skipper. I saw where a 38 of this vintage, GADZOOKS, was first overall in a race from Massachusetts to Bermuda in 2011. And I’ve seen where another old 38 circumnavigated. Both of which should give me faith. But I’d still love to hear from any of you who can give me a scouting report on how this boat sails on different points of sail in different conditions as well as any other insights you're willing to offer. Thanks in advance, and happy new year to you all. Jim Lynch Olympia, WA.
_______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com
