Harry and Todd: Thanks for the comments. While I haven't sailed cats actively in several years, I hope that my experience sailing cats growing up, and racing 420s in college, would take me somewhat beyond "newbie" status.
If I wasn't relocating overseas this summer, I would seriously consider an A-cat. Although I'm sure I would end up at the very back of the pack, I'm also confident that it would be a blast. Last time I sailed a Hobie 18 was an incredible experience. Rented an TheMightyHobie18 with wings from an outfit in Hyeres, France, with a girl from my high school during summer, a few weeks before graduation. Even though she had cruising experience, it was tougher than we expected sailing up the coast and camping on beaches. But the memories are priceless (see my avatar picture).
Kevin: That new tri sounds quite exciting. Thanks for the offer of a ride. Not sure I'm ready to acquire my own cat quite yet. Will get in touch if I decide it's a reasonable option to go that way.
This "Chris" you speak of, was that me or one of the other 4 or so Chris or Kris-es at our club? If you want on the N20 email list then PM me and I will add you to the list. The Tuesday night racing email list is controlled by Keith, PM him.
Yup, I'm pretty sure it was you, Chris (Allen). PM sent. (I noted from the board at WRSC that your e-mail is your sail number, but couldn't remember the domain.) Not sure I have the contact for Kris, but we can figure that via PM.
You don't have to own to be a full voting member, we will take all the money you want to give us. There are cheaper ways to join. Once you PM me I'll give you my tele number and I will walk you thru the options.
Thanks for the kind offer. Would love to take you up on both the e-mail list(s) and help on joining WRSC. Thanks also for your thoughts on co-owning. I think that would be a good option for my purposes medium- to long-term. Short-term the goal is to get on the water as crew, and the list(s) will hopefully help with that.
When are you leaving? How many kids do you have? The whole Hi-tech thingy isn’t the argument for me. Its more important what mother nature is doing than how advanced or “Hi-tech” the boat is. Its about Power management. In my opinion, a higher-tech boat will be easier to manage power. We are not blowing thru sails even on a yearly basis.
We expect to leave in early August, so there's a little more than three months left. Two kids, boy is 7 months and daughter is 3.5 years. While I would consider taking the girl for a ride on a cat with an extra set of hands to help on a slow day close to shore, both are obviously too young to sail on a regular basis right now, and will be for some time. So the decision at this stage is more about me than the kids.
With that said, I'm sure I would appreciate and enjoy learning to sail a "high tech" boat. When I last sailed that Hobie 18 (see above), I remember it was heavy to handle. And I was in better shape then... So anything that is lighter to handle is a plus in my book.
-Roland E.
