Any one racing there dawson lately ?

I don't know about the ketch setup but the sloop rigging has a Sail Area Displacement ratio of 13.59 and 17.25 with the genny.  My boat has the original sails from 1977 (which are in fairly good condition).  I plan on replacing the main and getting a 150% genny this year.  I found last year that she simply wasn't fast at all in light air (everyone passed me).  At about 20 25 knots I could get to about 5.5 knots (by gps) using the 100% jib and towing the dinghy.  She was comfortable at this wind speed so I believe I will be using the genny most of the time and use the 100% jib only on really heavy air.

Has anyone been able to find the phrf ratings for this boat.  I have searched but haven't been able to locate it.

If you are looking to race, make sure you get the right handicap.  
This boat isn't known for speed.  Although I must say it does handle well in the heavier air.

Dan Underwood
1977 Dawson 26, Hull #264
"DOVE"
Buzzards Bay, MA

The Dawson is basically a "pig" in light air.  Fortunately its other assets like comfort and stability off set its light air performance.  I think my knotlog reads about 1 mph fast but it once registered 10 mph surfing downwind.

I have only sailed in the Great Lakes, Lake Mich and Huron, so my comments strictly relate to that.  Surprizingly, most of the time there is very little wind in the months of July and part of August.  A good portion of my sailing time is actually spent motor sailing or just motoring on water that is almost like glass.  I have crossed Mich and Huron where there was barely a ripple on the water.  I am no expert sailer or speed merchant and when ever I am sailing with other sailboats my size, McGregors, Cats and the other lighter production boats I get left in the dust or spray.  A good part of that I am sure is my sailing skill, but on the other hand, they are not lugging around an inboard diesel in a hull that is 1/2 inch thick on the bottom.  The Dawson is hard to beat if you are a cruiser as it is much better made and stronger than other production boats.  In 1983, the guy that originally bought my boat(new) wrote a check for over $29,000 when other 25-26ft sail boats were selling for $6000-$8000.  Personally, I love it.  When you are cruising with the other lighter production boats, they may get there a little faster, but in the evening when it is "relax with a margurita time" the Dawson is like a limo compared to the others.  Also, I fill the diesel tank at the beginning of the cruise and never have to change tanks or refill them in the middle of the day. (or listen to the outboard overrev everytime a heavy swell lifts the prop out of the water).  I believe I could motor the length of Lake Huron on a single tank (18 gals) if I had too.  Enough rambling.  I think I am going to try and take my boat to the Gulf this fall by taking the rivers south.    LL