Introduction

This is the smallest boat I have ever sailed and one that took the longest to rig even thought the parts and instructions are of the best quality.  Of course like the DF95 ,it is a one design but like the 95 there are so many nuances that can be applied.  I built the 65 in the same way I built the 95 so just look at the 95 page for the build and tune tips.  Many of the tuning tips on Ken Reads 95 tuning tips can be applied to the 65.

So after my first few TT's and 65 Nationals last year what have I learned:

The DF65 requires incredible levels of concentration to sail the boats fast all the time.  If you take you eye off the boat for a second it will either luff up and slow or bear away and loose ground to leeward.  It is not a boat that will sail itself which makes it such a good boat to sharpen your sailing skills.

I have written the rig letter on each mainsail so I cannot put the A on instead of the A+ again as I did at Southport.

For the A+ rig I set the mast at the deck level on the third notch from the back.  With this mast rake I get a neutral helm with a time bit of weather helm.  I measure the foot depths but little else.  I set the backstay to take out the most of luff curve on the sail and then apply the forestay tension.  As the tension increases I may have to increase the backstay tension to keep the mast bend.

Enough has been sail about the boat in terms of build, tuning and racing, I will just highlight the key Youtube videos.

DF65 DF95 Dragon Force Tuning Tips - An Australia based site with many uploads from the Australian champion.

John Tushingham's DF 65 Talk at MYA AGM 2023

The sound quality is not great but it is good to hear John's tips based on observation rather than science.

Dragon Sailing North America  An abundance of tips from across North America