We usually race against other J-105s and So Cal has a pretty competitive fleet. Most of our racing is windward/leeward and in the same location. Some folks might consider it boring... same location, same competitors, same boats, same gear. The crew, and how well they are polished, makes the difference. We have been together 4 or 5 years now, but we are racing some crews that have been together for 15 years.

We have slowly ratcheted up the ladder from consistently last to top third. This top third area is very tough... the smallest details make the difference... one of which is weight. We constantly review what we have on the boat as far as required/nice to have/excess. (for some reason, beer always makes the "required" list.) Anchors, autopilots, tools, etc. tend to fall on the excess list... which can lead to some funny situations when some tool that was "just there last race" is no longer available... oops.

We do an occasional PHRF race... and there, such things as anchors might come in handy (and may be required).

But for the most part it is a furious drag race around the marks, and how well you guess the wind shifts and change and trim the sails is what wins races.

Because it is One Design, knowing the rules is also a key item... fighting for that perfect mark rounding spot can be rather aggressive.

My wife can't stand this sort of thing ("too much testosterone"). Frankly, I think it is a blast, and just another part of my overall sailing "education."