First of all - Ryan, I'm glad the two of you enjoyed the sailing. We were happy to have you out and hope you find a boat you like (whatever it turns out to be).

Secondly, we all are partial to our boats but I'll try to be objective. I do not characterize the Isotope as a "beach cat". If you want a boat to knock around in big wind/waves and store on the sand, then you should get something more heavily built. The Isotope is a "performance cat". As I understand things, it was designed for winds around 7kts. Although originally intended as a two-up boat, Isotopes are mostly sailed single-handed. It handles best on relatively flat water. My Isotope ghosts along in 1kt of wind and I have no problem controlling it in up to 15kts solo. I've raced it 2-up in 18kts fully powered up. 20kts and above is survival conditions.

The claims on the website probably are a bit outdated. Remember that the Isotope is a 45 year old design. That text was written long before A-cats existed. I wouldn't claim to outpoint ALL other cats, but the Isotope certainly outpoints most. Frank (the builder) says it will sail 38 degrees to the true wind. I don't know about that, but I do regulary sail inside 45 degrees (probably 40-42) of the apparent wind. In fleet racing, the Isotope outpoints most monohull dinghies (except Lightnings and Thistles).

Yes, it's difficult to get the Isotopes to travel. We are pretty much a local fleet. It's hard to justify driving to away regatta to sail against 3-4 other boats when we put 12 on the line at club races. So, when I do travel, I like to mix it up with other boats in a handicap fleet (our Portsmouth rating is about the same as a Hobie 17/18). I've enjoyed sailing at Spring Fever, Tommy Whitesides, Catfest, Oriental Sailing Social, Duck Cup, Hospice Regatta, and even Cut Loose on the Neuse. I hope to participate in some away regattas, but I have a very full schedule already (two clubs, some PHRF racing, and a lot of race management).