Today, I set the first time sails on my 2004 Javelin 16. I am sailing on the Baltic sea. It was sunny and dry, with off-shore winds of 12kts and gusts up to 19kts. My last boat was a Dart 18.
First time rigging, it took a long time and I didn't attach the hooter because I was already late. The rudder kinematics are not easy to use, but maybe I need only some leasons. Finally on deep water, boards and rudders lowered the boat took off with a buzz noise. I under estimated the wind and I got a lot of adrenalin due to the heeling moment in each gust, the acceleration and resulting speed in this conditions. The boat is tacking on a penny and I nearly capsized during on of my first tacks. I nearly capsized on two other opportunities because the main sheet cleat was in a too low position. Hence I decided to go back to the beach and readjusted it. Back on the water with an uncleated main I had things under control and the boat handling was excellent. My friend sailed his old T, and we had fun to let the hulls fly high in formation flight, which is very easy on the Javelin (at lower winds, the T sent his crew to the leeward hull). On one hull the boat is very stable and easy to keep there. It can also point very high. Out- and downhaul and rotation are easy to use and sheet loads are low. I am wondering how it behaves on strong wind when sailed solo. There is a steep learning curve in front of me...

Cheers,

Klaus