they say that whenever you see two sailboats, there is a race - even if one of them does not know it.        and it can be fun.


   Obviously, with its heavy construction and collective creature comforts, the cruising Rhodes is not a pure racing machine.  Not so obvious is that the 22s fine entry and low wetted hull shape follow the lines of the Rhodes 19 so the 22 has an inherently good turn of speed.  For those younger at heart than the company owners, willing to forego some of the built in lazy sailor conveniences and add some of the racing fans come fly with me gear, this is a fast trailerable that is even faster - if you go for the RCR (Rhodes Club Racer) version.


Early Rhodes, like the new RCRs, were lighter built than the new cruising 22s, so, like the RCRs, are faster, as owner Lou tells owner Lee:


“I have an ’83 with conventional main and have managed

(with help from an experienced racer) to get 1st and 2nd

place in two separate regattas.  Also, I have been out in

very strong winds using just a little bit of jib and have

reached 7 knots.  Afterwards, my crew had wet pants and

it was not from the water”.




Misc:  Running before the wind I can get 1/2 kt. increase by retracting the board -confirmed by GPS.”

R A C I N G

 

STAN SPITZER’S FAT RIGGED RHODES 22

If you want one Rhodes for both cruising and Racing here are two ways to go: 

                            one:  reduce friction    two:  increase sail area


ONE:

Order your boat without bottom paint.  Bottom painting creates an uncountable terrain of hills

and valleys - in turn creating the handicapping of greatly expanded “whetted surface”   You

can visualize this by imagining your pulling the bottom paint smooth and seeing that it then

covers a much much larger area.  More area in contact with the water flowing under a boat is

more friction. More friction between boat and water slows you down considerably, compared to

another well designed boat of the same size that has no bottom paint.


How to survive without bottom paint?  Keep your boat on its trailer when not using it.  Keep

your boat on the lift in back of your waterfront home so it is clear of the water when not in

use.  Don’t have a waterfront home yet?  Marinas are increasingly offering slips with built in

lifts. Or join a club or marina that offers “Dry Sailing”.  Better for the boat and your pocket

book.  If you are within practical range of Edenton, General Boats dry marina is only $50 a

month and masts never have to go up or down.


TWO:      

Order your Rhodes with the new FAT RIGGED IMF. Or upgrade the Rhodes 22 you are now

sailing with a Fat Rigged IMF package. The package contents include: The new style IMF mast

top.  The big bail-fitted boom.  The new increased sail area IMF Sally Sail Main.  The new back

stays and stern rail tweaking.  And the new movable dual position stern rail/front cockpit

traveler location sailing options.  Pricing for including the fat rigging in a new boat order or the

upgrading package for current Rhodes owners in good standing, is on the “Pricing” Link page.   

                                                                         (final pictures not yet available)

Boom Room side effect of the Fat Rig boom:

Pros: The GB Boom Room, without its sides on, provides a sun cover for getting the most from

cockpit time.  The longer boom allows for even more complete sun protected outdoor living.

Cons: Old cut cockpit enclosures do not work with the Fat Rig.  (Sell the old one - lots of

Rhodies welcome bargains for their earlier models.)  



















below

    “Last week regatta, 4th out of 13 boats, not bad, short handed and should have had a smaller jib.

    The other boats in pic:  Hunter 34, Catalina 25, Capri 22, and Hunter 19.  And yes, I beat the Capri 22.” 

Competitive in Seattle:


“We love it.  My wife has found an unknown competitive streak in her.  Right . . .when there are two boats on the water there is a race . .

even if one does not know it “  


































of course for serious racers, racing sails help . . .