Another Newbe from s california

[Breezman]

Hi everyone

Been here for a wile but just got on also just started sailing school here in MDR.

I always knew I would love it but never knew how much, I just went on my first sail and fell in love with it(I am glad i followed my gut feeling about sailing).

Hopefully will reach my goal before too long(40-45 ft cat).

I was however Sl discouraged by my sailing instructor that said that(your opinions please) cats are just no good for our part of the world due to global winds they cant sail the same direction( i think he talked about up wind direction) or as effective as mono`s and therefore really limited .

I told him that i read somewhere that having dagger-boards helps with that

He said that dagger-boards have nothing to do with ability of direction only with depth issues.

Can someone shed some light for me please.?


Also it will be nice to have a southern ca chapter for cats owners and lovers.

[Saildoggie]

Welcome!!
We are in So CA also, I race monos, but we cruise cats.
The better cats will point below 40 degrees aparent.
We charter 1-2 times per year in the BVI's and have now sailed 7 different cats.
I'll take a 50' mono on any time on a 5-10 mile weather leg and will get there first on a good cat every time.
What's really cool is the crew are very comfy, no healing, and my beer stays where I put it. Lots less 'boat bites" too.

Your SI is too old school!!

[swagman]

HI Breezeman,
You'd need to wonder about the instuctors qualifications if he thinks daggerboards only effect the draft of the cat. Of course they assist any boat to go to windward and additionally minimise leeway.
A cat will not point as high as a monihull or same size - and as a general rule they go slightly slower to a windward destination.
But equally they go downwind slightly faster - so overall it equals out.
Enjoy - take care
JOHN