anybody racing the prindle 19

does the P-19 have to be the MX version to race these days?

As far as I know --- No. It's the same boat, just different sail plans. The P19MX adds a bowsprit in order to get the bigger jib (tack) down lower, the main has a flat top.

Great boat -- enjoy it.

The original rig gets a better Portsmouth rating than the MX. 66.4 versus 64.0 I think. A spinnaker or Hooter will help a bunch to equalize things and make downwind alot more fun.

Actually a lower rating is faster. I'm quite sure the MX already has a spinnaker - no?

No Jake, spinnaker isn't part of the MX rig (or rating). We did put a snuffer rig on the one we race -- 290 sq. feet. Nice set up. Works well.

Sorry I wasn't clear about which rating is which. I recently ordered new sails but I am keeping the standard jib so as not to interfere with the my hooter setup. Rating with hits for the square top main and hooter on a standard rig come out to 63.4 unless I goofed (which is entirely possible). The boat is a pleasure to sail or race, especially distance races. MHO
Salud

I race a P19mx occasionally w/spinnaker. we regulasrly finish ahead of most of the 20' fleet in distance races although we don't do as well arround the bouys. However, I attribute that to my lack of youth and agility. Either way I think it's a great underrated boat Newer is better Gotta Have the latest & greatest. Wish more were still activly racing. Although there are 5 or 6 on the beach I sail from I'm the only one regularly out racing

Bob Fraser

All of the responses are correct regarding the faster rating and jib pole addition to accomadate the larger jib of the MX sails. In addition, the jib pole gives you attachment points to install a 3:1 jib luff tension adjustment. I have owned my boat for 9 years and have sailed with both the standard and MX setup. The enhanced speed downwind is pretty obvious with the larger sail area. One of the biggest benefits is the ability of the square-topped mainsail to twist off in the puffs. The boat is more forgiving and easier to handle in those annoying gusty winds. I wish there was at least one other P19 out here on eastern Long Island to race against. It's still a fast boat and I have frequently found myself out front all alone hoping I can do well on corrected time. On the positive side I'm always in clean air. Greg

I have been sailing the prindle 19 since 98, including the 99 nationals in Long Beach. I have converted my boat the mx sail plan and have been racing with fleet 42 in Arizona. We sail in Rocky Point Mexico, and I tend to show up for various events in California. Although many are sailing hobies these days, and the Hobie class refuses to open their events. Anyway, I am constantly looking for other prindle 19 sailors to race with. In arizona we have roughly half a dozen 19's who race with us. Our fleet is in the process of organizing a national event in Rocky Point for the spring of 2005, open to all cats, but individual classes are expected with hopefull sponserships from a variety of the boat manufactures.
Would like to hear from fellow prindle sailors, especially of any sailing/racing opps for our class.