Ideal Weight

[DN 5449]

What would you consider is the ideal weight range of a DN sailor (for racing)?

[DN 805]

The beauty of the rules governing the DN is that the components of the boat can readily be modified to suit the size of the sailor.  That being accomplished, you can win in all conditions no matter your size, whether you're 130 lbs or 280 lbs, it makes no difference.   Just get out put it on the line and go!

[ERIC ANDERSON]

 The gold fleet has skippers from the 130 lb range to the 250+ range.  You can deffinitely be the wrong weight for your particular gear or trim settings, but probably not for the sport.  Very heavy skippers seem to be at a disadvantage on soft ice and slush in light wind.  Being on the heavy side is good if it is nuking.  Where you point the boat and when you zig and zag is alot more important.

Cheers,
Eric Anderson US 5193

[Ken Smith]

Matt Struble made a study of past champions.  I believe he decided ideal weight was about 190.  He was less than that by a bit, bulked up to about 170 to win his first.

I am with Jane.  Jorge Bohn is fast at well over 230, and Julie Richards beats me at her 125.  Its tune, sail smart and go fast!

[RANDY ROGOSKI]

To sail a DN fast is physically demanding, and in strong gusting wind, grueling.
Physical fitness is important for strength and stamina to handle the boat deftly and safely, especially when you're having too much fun to quit before dark.

Fitness also helps a racer maintain his or her ideal weight.