Where is the best place to learn to sail a cat

[WantoSail]

I am in need of learning to sail a cat. I have found on the net places that will teach you. Kind of a vacation/learning experience. Anyone have an opinion on the best company/area to learn in?

[Therapy]

For you, probably a captain chartered one on the Chesapeake.

35-42 ft would be fine for you. No need for a 60 footer.

When you come back practice with a dingy or "laser" type. And a Hobie. Learn those well first is a good plan too.

[Jim Cate]

Why, you can easily do it in your living room! Here's how:

1. Find suitable cat (no Manx's need apply).
2. Attach light line to cat's tail, using a rolling hitch, Prussic hitch or Icicle hitch.
3.Whirl cat about your head until it reaches escape velocity.
4. Release light line -- cat will sail just fine.

Sorry, I can't help with your actual question...

Cheers,

Jim

[WantoSail]

I was really asking if anyone of the many options to spend a week or two or more on a boat learning to sail is better than the other. Are people taking these "classes" and if so through which companies.

[Palarran]

Do you have any sailing experience?

I had spent many years sailing beach cats and crewed with some friends over the years. Then I took an ASA basic keel boat sailing class. Afterwards we chartered a 32' Catalina and began to work our way up. We chartered 5 times and on the last one it was a 46' catamaran.

Another option would be a captained charter. I'd choose the BVI's instead of the Chesapeake because it's - better. Captains are a dime a dozen so don't overspend on this. They shouldn't cost more than $150 per day. In a week they can teach you most if not all you will need to know to begin to charter on your own.

[WantoSail]

Awesome thank you this is what I was looking. We have zero experience and are thinking hobie cat just to get started. Thanks for the advice on rates to we were Looking BVI actually. Thanks again.

[Teknav]

Hi! I have not seen sailing schools offering beginners to sail on catamarans. Most beginners learn on a mono-hull sloop (20-25 ft), then move up to bigger boats as they acquire more confidence with their experience. In contrast, student pilots learn to fly in a single engine plane then progress to twins (multi engine); even would be fighter jet pilots. Are you capable of sailing a sloop in diverse weather conditions? Maybe this should be your first step in learning seamanship, prior to sailing a cat. If you have the background, check for a cat owner who would be willing to charter his boat to you, while giving you instructions. Good luck! Mauritz

[MarkJ]

I agree with the others who have suggested a Hobie Cat to start with lessons.
When I was sailing skiffs as a kid I thought sailing a cat would be easy but when I was chucked on one it fast became obvious that they are different.

Learning on a small beach cat type thing will show you all the ramifications in a much shorter time and much more demonstrably. If you dont ease the mainsail you are A over T in about 3 seconds. And flying through the air to land in the main well up the mast on the capsized craft.

Speed and exhilaration come at a price in that big cats dont let the novice know what they are thinking... a small cat will. A great learning point to take to a Lagoon size boat.

[TouristJoe]

Hi WantoSail,

Try Sandals Resorts if you are looking for a vacation/sailing experience. Sandals also has hobie cats, snorkeling, and other watersports.

Caribbean Sailing, Snorkeling, & More - Water Sports Resorts at Sandals

I went there last year and I had a great time. Hope this helps.