Yes they are and I enjoyed sailing one the little time I got on it, but I can tell you, in light to medium wind they are dog slow going downwind, after you are used to a spinnaker boat. You will be cursing every spin boat as it glides past you on your way downwind while you lie at an odd angle trying to keep your weight forward, boom out, mast rotated, etc. all the while wondering why you paid twice the price of your old spin boat for a boat that is slower downwind! I don't know what wind speed they come alive downwind at, maybe 12+? But until then, you will wish you had your spinny! Now, the Blade, 1 up, I think is the best of both worlds, like a poor man's A cat upwind and a spinnaker for the runs! What's not to like? And if Sweetness decides she would like to come along, lookie here, an extra trap and a jib! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Of course if I had the money I'd have one of each; A cat, F16, Inter 20, Sea Cart 30, 60' tri, etc. but for the little money I have left over after Mamma and the 4 kids take their cut, the Blade is the ticket, the most bang for the buck.