I sailed my h-18 mostly solo. it was was easy to right with a solo-right pole w/ the mast float. she was heavy, fun, basicly bullet proof. in my opion the TheMightyHobie18 can facilate a wide range in the learning curve. It was my first sail boat. the price's are right. you can get parts easy. its just a very versital boat. If you can "master" (i never did)the TheMightyHobie18 you then be ready for any high performance cat. good luck, getting out there on anything is much better internet sailing.