Hello,
The A-Cat is a very good boat for women to sail. It is possible to order your mast and sail to your own wishes. I know that Pieter Saarberg, here in Holland, makes different masts according your weight. The same can be done with the sail, fuller or flatter. I have seen the M-18, at Texel last year, and was impressed with the boat. By making the boat wider it makes for a much smoother ride. I owned a T 4.9 before and had my share of fun, but I decided to go for the A-Cat as I sailed Uni 99.9 % of the time. I chartered Rick's 4.9 in April to do his seminar. Nothing outpoints an A-Cat, but downwind you will suffer against the big boats. So I added a spinaker with a Skunk snuffer and I feel that I am right up there with the big boats.
Have fun.
Arjan de Bruin
A-Cat Ned 074