holland 25 Topaz

[jemalins]

I'm hoping that Doug Sharpin reads this as I'm looking for some advice
Topaz has continued winning it's class in most yacht clubs in Sydney
Most recently 5 years in a row in Manly Yacht Club & the last 2 years in Balmain Sailing club
To keep winning I have to lighten the boat to compensate for the very heavy Volbo MD5A at 12o kgs (43 years old & still running well)
Ive stripped out everything that moves leaving only necessary Cat 7 safety gear
How else can I lighten the boat without affecting sailing integrity
I've thought about a new lighter engine but noted when I removed the volvo to refurbish, the stern lifted out of the water by some 6-9 inches

[dougsharpin]

Hi again John ...... bit late finding your listing here but we've emailed about most. yes Volvo too heavy by half as original plans showed a 7hp Vire two-stroke that sounds like a lawn-mower but suprisingly goes exactly same speed under power as Volvo (had a race tween the tow engines from Middle Harbour to Darling Harbour boatshow and neck to neck right to the end.
As I mentioned from your photos Topaz is dragging her bum with that weight as design waterline is right at the rudder post
Also of course is your fixed prop - would be like dragging a bucket....when we were keen we tossed who jumped over before start to rubber-band the two-blade folder
We talked about the Nanni being lighter but then its big bucks (ask Alan Clark )
hope to catch up next summer - ciao Doug