I appreciate the advice... I've passed on the Sol Cat for the time being (there's a Prindle 16 teasing me now - not as cheap!). Signed up for a beginner dinghy course in early June. I'll get some time in 420's and take some time to watch the want ads for something. As much as I'm enamoured with the idea of a cat, I'm even wondering now if a solo single hull might be better for a mostly solo newb... but that's another topic...

Thanks again