About the Martin 242
Fun, Fast, Social, and Affordable Racing: #Martinswintheparty
The Martin 242 is one of the most enjoyable boats to sail on the market today, and it is extremely competitive against all types of PHRF boats in almost all conditions. Quick, maneuverable, and easily sailed by 2 and raced by 3-4. The Pacific Northwest Regional Fleet of about 90 boats regularly sees 15 or more on the start line for Wednesday Night races in Vancouver, with Regional weekend regattas drawing anywhere from 8-15 boats. There are lots of fun social events and seminars throughout the year, which make the M242 Class the most fun and competitive fleet in the Region: #Martinswintheparty
Starting in May, there are also introductory races and social events on Thursday nights for those who want to get started in the Class in a more casual manner.
M242 owners enjoy very cost-effective racing:
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Low moorage costs, both wet and dry-storage (in Vancouver boats are dry-sailed out of both Royal Van Yacht Club and Kits Yacht Club);
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Class restriction on purchases of no more than 2 new sails per year;
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Most people need 1 or less per year to be competitive
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Relatively maintenance-free;
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Economical deck, navigation, and rigging systems.
Most M242s can undertake a racing program for less than $4,500 per year, including moorage, insurance, entry fees, sails, and repairs: a very affordable figure. In contrast, some larger race boats in the GVRD can spend many times that amount on just one sail. As an international boat, the Class has active racing Fleets in Sylvan Lake (Alberta), Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, Orcas Island, Bellingham, Los Angeles (Marina del Rey & King Harbor Yacht Club), and southern Japan, which gives members the opportunity to compete in many other locations.
Orcas Island and Vancouver Island are the current higher-growth areas in the Pacific NorthWest.
Over 300 have been built since 1981, and there are large fleets on the West Coast of Canada and the U.S. The M242 Class is unique in that it has very rigid class rules to control expense and to ensure even competition. The total sail inventory consists of a main, jib and spinnaker. The roller-furling jib dramatically simplifies boat handling and encourages family crews. With a PHRF handicap of 147-156 seconds per mile, it seems that the PHRF handicappers certainly respect the performance ability of the M242.
To get started, check out the link for a useful guide on the basics of setting up, tuning, and sailing the boat to get you out racing fast!
