Race with a group of sailors as Kris noted --that is always the best way to learn a different boat , it sounds like a great group locally . .

I-20s are great cats , they have been sailed across the Atlantic and proved to be good distance racing boats in the 1000 mile and 500 mile races though designed for round the cans racing. They have a very light feel to the helm and are very easily turned having the wide flat forward hull lines so a very light touch and minimal movement on the helm is required .

I recall racing the older N 6/0S with huge Smyth kites of 450 sq ft on them { the Inter has 270 } the 6/0 had a very heavy feel to it by comparison, you had to really muscle the boat with that giant kite .

I really wouldn't recommend singlehanding the I 20 unless you can right it or add a sure fire system to right it {Ricks righting pole } and also have lots of experience in difficult conditions .

In years past I did often race locally singlehanded {in MI }but it is really is a handfull with a spin and racing with a crew is much more fun . I,m 6 4 and about 230 lbs and could right the I 20 but it was marginal , the boat had to be pointed into the wind and I had to be stretched out verticle just above the water and bounce a little to pop the mast tip out and start it back up . CF masts are great but more fragile .

I did often distance race singlehanded and even did some night races and went out in extreme conditions through storms on 50 mile jaunts sailing to race locations but looking back I was very fortunate , again a crew is ideal for a I -20 and you will be much faster .

The crew just needs to be able to handle the spin and pop out on the wire, play the downhaul, handle the jib ,sometimes the main or traveler, call tactics and laylines, do navigation with GPS and take the helm on occation when distance racing --thats all {a little sarcasm I,ve traded off as crewed/ skipper on distance races as well }

It is often really the crew that makes the I 20 fast more than skipper .

One great thing the I 20 can do is cover distances FAST , legs of the 1000 mile and 500 mile races are 100 miles and the teams are often in by early after afternoon , If you want to cruise somewhere 30 40 50 miles away it is not too difficult .

Racing locally sharpens the skills and ability 10 times faster than just cruising and the knowledge gained there from others is invaluable to that process .

Hope that helps

Connect with the local group and have a great sailing season

regards
Carl