Projection 762 IRC handicap

We race a projection 762 in inan irc flrrt which ranges from a dehler 37 to a modified x79. the racing is predominantly around the cans in strong tidal conditions.

The problem we encounter is that no matter how well we sail we do noy get close to our handicap and therefore are always the wrong side of the results. I know in tidal conditions that water line length is important however we have many melges 24 in the fleet who manage very well.

Has anyone made modifications to the rig/hull/keel to improve the performance of this stiff little yacht? our current irc is .971.

Any help/comments will be welcome.

Thanks for the reply, we sail in Guernsey, there used to be 4 here but we are the only ones left. The boat is very simple with an oversized pole and kite. We are unable to compete against X332 and x362 but try our best. What do you think about taking lead out of the keel as the boat is too stiff we carry no1 in 20knots?

great sea boat, it doeas get very rough here but we only seem competitive when it is blowing 20knots plus.

Have you played with the rig? what are your settings?

Regards Peter

Since you don't take any penalty in IRC for stability, that isn't a route to IRC optimisation. There's really no such thing as "too stiff" in IRC. 

Taking weight out will increase your rating (assuming you report it, which you should). I very much doubt it is a good idea in IRC. As others have said, optimising the sailplan is more likely to be successful.

I don't own a 762, although I have sailed on one. I have raced other sportsboat types in IRC and it is normally hard to beat larger boats in medium conditions.