Is there any good reference on how to sail a tri? How similar is it to sailing a cat downwind? Do you need to keep a good deal of tension on the mainsheet? Is it as easy to depower as a cat by heading down? How do you really tell when you are overpowered and how do you start to depower both upwind and downwind?
I will figure this stuff out as I go along. I am sure it is difficult to capsize these things but I would really rather not find out.

Patrick, I wouldn't worry about flipping your 31. It would take a lot. We had the 28R in about 30 knots in the gulf outside the pass, one time, no reef, jib. The goal was to get the main hull flying, not steadily, but significantly popping in and out of the water. The general rule of thumb from what I can figure out so far, is reef in about 25knots and up. Donhaul depowers quite a bit, downwind in breeze the speeds are the same realtive to 90 degree angle in big breeze with chute or no chute, however the spin allows you to carry the apparent farther forward which brings you farther downwind. So if it honking, you might want to consider not putting the chute up. Enjoy the 31, it is a great boat. Craig

Craig,
Thanks, that is helpful. If I get the boat down there one of these days I might try to enlist you to go out with me on the 31 sometime to teach me a few things. I am looking forward to it...
pp

PTP, are you going to charter your boat in Florida this winter? I've been wanting to "rent" one for a weekend in Sarasota on the west coast. There is a club over there called the Sarasota Sailing Squadron (google up their web site) they have fenced in, mast up storage and there are several Corsairs there already. They also club race nearly every weekend all winter long, mostly mono's though.

Timbo,
I am likely keeping the corsair with me in michigan this winter and will sail it on Lake St Clair or Lake Michigan next summer. Still have some things to work out though about where to store it, etc. Going to pick it up this Friday.

OK, time for some pictures! I hope you guys have a mild winter and you can get it out and sail it a bit before the lakes freeze over!

Timbo,
Just got back with the thing yesterday. You don't really understand the size of it until you hook it up behind the truck. 35+ ft trailer, a little over 5k lbs... 700 Miles at 8mpg isn't that fun but overall it worked well. Didn't sway until near 70mph. Used a "load distributing hitch" which I am not familiar with for the most part and trying to figure it out. Boat is in great shape cosmetically, though I think I am going to replace some lines and blocks.
Already too cold here to go sailing unless something weird happens.
I do need to take some pics...