CS17 how fast?

[Randy Jones]

My CS17 managed to hit 9.7 knots the other day in about 25 knots wind and 2 foot wind waves.  We had 450 lbs of crew sailing under mizzen only using the middle mast step.  This is the fastest I've ever gone in a sailboat.  It was exciting but also scary.  I find myself wondering how fast others have gone and am curious about whether other's prefer to double reef both sails or switch to a single sail in the middle step.   

[Ray Frechette Jr]

I believe Graham hit sustained runs of 12 knts in his Green Heron CS 17 in an Everglades Challenge race.

IIRC he was 12 miles offshore in 20-25 knt winds.

[Randy Jones]

Thanks Ray.  I'm going ahead with the second reef points on both sails and I'll leave the speed sailing to the experts.