Well first it will depend on what the clear finish is, it could be clear gel coat and if it is you will have to sand it off. If it's clearcoat like paint, I'd chemically strip it then sand, just faster and less chance for damage to the fabric you want to save. Awfully easy to catch an edge of a sander in the laminate and gouge it and I suspect it's pretty thin on a race boat so you can easily make holes.

If you do use a chemical stripper, make sure it's neutralized after it's use (follow mfg. instructions) and let it dry first before you sand. The stripper can soften the surface so you want to insure it's hard again before you sand so there's less chance of damage.

Bill H.