Weight and Sailing Performance

[Kyle Ewing]

Has anyone quantified how weight affects a Catalina 34's sailing performance?  In other words, is there a formula that says if you have two Catalina 34s identical except for a X pound weight difference, the lighter one will sail Y faster in light air, but at Z knots of wind they will be equal?  I know weight placement and point of sail make a difference.

I hear about skippers becoming weight nazis on racing boats.  How much does it matter on our boats?  At what point does it become material?  Would I notice if I remove the 60 pound rolled up inflatable from under my V-berth?  What if I emptied the water tanks and half the fuel? 

I'm preparing for the Chicago Yacht Club's Verve Distance Race in two weeks and, after sailing really slow in this year's Mac race, I want to feel competitive.

By the way, my ORR rating certificate (based on sister ship measurement) says Donnybrook should weigh 13,608 lbs.  That's light by other accounts here, but heavier than the design weight.

Thanks for your opinions!