CD25D Sailing characteristics

[wombat]

I am considering going back to sailing after several years of cruising the PNW in a power boat. One of the boats I'm considering is the CD25D. Although I sailed a Corinthian 19.5' (aka Sailstar) for several years and loved it, and have chartered CD Typhoons for day-sailing, I've never sailed a 25D.

I'd like some idea of how lively it is under its working sails, and how large a genoa it needs to get it really moving. With as much ballast as it has I imagine it's pretty stiff, but would like some detail on that as well.

In short, how does it sail?

Thanks and regards,
Wombat

[Jeff G]

I'm not sure if "lively" would be an adjective I'd use with the 25D. My current sail configuration consists of a main sail with 3 reef points and a standard hank on 100 percent working jib. Under about 10 knots of wind its difficult to get beyond 3 knots of boat speed. I've sailed a 25D with 140 percent genoa and it does make a big difference in those conditions. Once the weather gets above 10 knots of wind, then the working jib works well enough to get you into 4 and 5 knots of boat speed. I've carried my jib in winds up to 25 knots of wind and she has no problem.

The question of stiffness is more about ultimate stability and not form stability. The 25D has a relatively narrow beam and a round underbody which makes her heel easily. Some call this characteristic "tender". You'll want to reef early with the 25D, especially if you're carrying a big genny. When the wind kicks up, she'll heel to about 25 degrees and then stiffen up considerably. You'll probably want to adjust the sail plan to get her to 15 or 20 degrees of heel for comfort and speed.

This is my experience with the 25D and others may have a different opinion. I got my first experience with CDs on a Typhoon. I found that the 25D is similar in handling characteristics. The biggest benefit I get from the 25D is that I can single hand her very easily and the "seakindly" motion is like driving a Cadillac over a bumpy road, very smooth.

[Bob B]

I sailed a 25D for several years and found it to be one of the best sailing boats that I've sailed. We have had a typhoon and a CD 27.
We sailed the 25D in harbor and offshore in SC near the Charleston area as well as inland at Lake Hartwll. There were many times that we would head out with other boats following behind. When we hit the breeze and started raising double reefed sails, everyone else would turn around and go back to the dock while we headed on for a great day of sailing. I did enter a race one time with just a wisp of a breeze and ended up cranking up the diesel and heading on. Even on the lake though, it was a pleasure to sail and one that you can do long distances on without feeling worn out.
These are sturdy and stable. I have done some short, overnight, offshore trips and felt very comfortable and didn't worry too much about anything out of the ordinary.
I recommend it.

Bob B.
CD Typhoon "Liberty"

[Bob Ohler]

I sailed CD25D hull#2 for 5 years. I made many week-long cruises on the Chesapeake Bay with her.

In my opinion, these are the key points about sailing the 25D:

Reef the main at 15 knots of wind.
Get a headsail that measures around 125 to 130%. You may end up using this sail, as I did, 80% of the time.
I also carried a 150 genny, the working jib as well as a storm jib. I used all of them over the years.

The CD25D changed my sailing horizon. I hope yours does for you as well!

Bob Ohler
CDSOA Member #188
CD30B sv Aloha Spirit

[trapper]

Like Bob B, we sail Saga on Lake Murray (near Hartwell) and have sailed her out of Charleston. Double reef days are the most fun. We have roller furler so we roll in the headsail when the wind gets up. I think the headsail is probably about a 150. There are lots of days on the lake where the 150 is needed. In Charleston we almost always had some breeze so we did not crank the headsail all the way out most of the time. I had a CD22 before the 25D and their sailing charasterics are similar. I cant compare to the other boat you mentioned.

My brother is sailing a Choate 27. I ride on the Choate when the wind is not blowing and it is a blast. When the wind is up, the CD is the only place to be.

As a side benefit to the CD25D, lots of folks stop by to admire! Best of luck with your search.

[wombat]

My thanks to all who posted replies to my "how does she sail" query. All the replies were useful and thoughtful. I think I have a pretty good idea of what to expect now, and will continue to look for one in good condition on the used market.

[Amgine]

I have a 25D in British Columbia, with a few thousands of nm cruising in the region.

The boat ghosts well with an asymmetrical and main from just above beam down; with a clean bottom I have no problem getting 2-3 with just barely detectable to light ripples of wind (so, 2-5 kts of wind.) With the 130% and full main I can sail upwind with more than 5 kts of wind, getting near hull speed at about 10.

However, my sails - except the asym and 110 - are brand new. With the well-aged sails I was sailing with previous years it seemed rather more slug like, much more conservative sailing was the order of the day. Still had some amazing speeds at times, surfing along with averages around 7 off the wind in heavy going, but now she gets up and scoots in less wind and I can point higher. I had the 100% cut for the inside track, too, which hasn't actually been much help - the wind is either on the nose or behind me, and when it's strong on the nose I usually stay in port.

[marv brinn]

The boat is pretty slow in light light stuff as we see on Lake Hartwell .But in any kind of wind above 5 or so it is a great pleasure. I sailed on j's, capris, odays,beneteuas sp, catalinas, etc and I would not trade my cd27 for two of them. she takes care of me even when I single hand at 25+kts. she is beautiful and collects here share of compliments. she is very forgiving and if you take care of her she will do the same...she is a love..!

[Joe Myerson]

Guess I'll add my comments to this discussion.

My first season, I sailed my 25D with an old (original, I think) main and a working jib, which was the only original sail that was in good enough condition to convert to roller-furling.

The boat seemed slow, partially because I didn't understand its needs and partially because the old main was pretty well shot.

Second season: New main made a tremendous difference. I learned the iron rule of the 25D: Reef at 15 knots.

Third season: Got a new 130% roller-furling genny.

Soon I was out on Buzzards Bay when many other boats were heading for cover. With the main reefed and the genny rolled in to about 110%, the 25D can handle anything that these notoriously windy, choppy waters can dish out.

Racing isn't my strong point, but it seems that the 25D is one of the slower Cape Dories (probably because of the relatively short waterline). But it's a boat one can sail confidently and comfortably (once she's heeled between 10 and 20 degrees). And, as others have said, she attracts favorable comments wherever she goes.

Great boat!

--Joe