Adding more sailpower to help slow, heavy cruiser?

[rhubstuff]

One of the reasons OI's have a reputation for poor windward performance is hull shape. OI's have a long, shallow, rounded keel, when windward performance requires short, deep, finely shaped keels. Your key to going to windward in an OI, as has been suggested, is to motorsail. This will require fairly flat main and mizzen sails with good roach, a closely sheeted jib, and enough engine power to make good headway in whatever seas conditions you find. So sheet in those sails, run the engine about half speed, get what you can to windward. and enjoy the hot water and electricity too.