As the days quickly approach Christmas and the only sailing I am doing is in my dreams, I wanted to see if someone could answer some questions for me as it relates to sailing and sailboats. They are simple to ask and perhaps difficult to answer but here goes:

What drives the regional popularity of some classes of sailboats? Let me explain. When I visit my birthplace of WI, I see large fleets of C-scows or 'A-scows (the A's are for those with bucks). When I tell them I own a catamaran, all they say is 'oh, a catamaran, is it a Hobie?' That is the end of the conversation and their attitude is reflected in the lack of catamarans on many of the local lakes (Pewaukee, Monona in Madison). I know Michigan has a very large fleet of catamarans so maybe this region of Wisconsin is unique with its large fleets of scows.

Here is the next question that may stir some responses; the attitude of some of these scow sailors is that catamarans are a novelty or a toy sailboat (dare I say, not worthy of their respect). I have never understood why some sailors look down their noses at catamarans. Maybe someone could explain that to this novice. I have heard some say 'you can't tack a catamaran'. Perhaps this is their logic for dismissing catamarans and cat sailors. Again, correct me if I am wrong.

Now, here is the simple question that my kids want to know; what happened to the multicolor sails of catamarans from days past? My son was really bummed when I showed up with a catamaran with white sails! He has seen pictures of my old Hobie and loved the bright colors. Catamaran sails were the subjects of many photographs that we still see in travel brochures. I know some cats still come with colored sails but many do not.

Thanks everyone. I will now go back to planning my first sailing outing of the spring.

Happy Holidays to all.

Bob Klein
Inter 18 with White Main and Jib