Today was the second day out. The first day was a rather relaxed 3 knots, nice and cruzzy for a couple of guys that really have very little idea about how to sail a 14 ft catamaran (14 ft Maricat) very similar to a hobie-turbo with Jib-sail etc. That day went rather well, we had 4 hours of just meandering around.

Though today was a whole different story of hardcore excitement and action. 8 knots gusting to 15 - 20 knots. Me being the Helmsman?, I had control of the Mainsail, rudder, and my mate (crew) had control of the jib. I had no idea these things took off as fast as they do in a bit of wind.

One thing I noticed was the rudders wanted to turn into the wind, it was a real strain to keep the little Maricat on a straight course, I believe this is called "weather-helm"??. We were close-hauled heading very close to the wind I thought, and like I said, it was a strain to hold the rudders straight - Is it supposed to be a struggle?, if it is then thats all cool, but if its supposed to be easier that would be better, by a "strain" I mean I was hanging onto the tiller with enough force to give me cramp in my hand and arm.

I checked the alingment of the rudders while I have been practicing solo-rigging at home in the backyard. I line the port side rudder up with the stay-thingy up on the bow, and check the starboard side, it seems the starboard side has a very slight "toe in", maybe 10 - 20mm. Also I noticed the rudders are on a bit of a camber' ie: the bottoms of the rudders are a greater distance apart compared to the top of the rudders, maybe as much as 150 - 200mm. Could either of these things be contributing to my cramp/white-knuckle hold-on-for-dear-life steering system?

Regarding the "Amature Sailors" we couldnt tack!, i'm convinced it was because my crew was kooking it with the jib sheets, We had untold speed on and I'd call for the tack, turn the rudders so we flew into the wind, then we would just stall and the bow would get pushed back around to the way we just came from (close hauled) and have to continue on the same course - Toward the rocks!.

Knowing I had to do something drastic to avoid a nasty collision I called for us to turn downwind at speed - The result was a spectacular pitchpole, a bit of a concern being upside down but it was rather easy to get it back on its feet again.

I think we need a book or something?. Actually it was such a buzz and as soon as we left the boatramp it was all on, I didnt even have time to do up my wetty, it was only half on the whole time.

Any help would be appreciated, espessialy regarding a book that will explain in simple terms the workings of a small catamaran for beginners, it would be kinda nice to get over this beginner stage so as the local boaties dont see us and shake their heads and say to each other over the VHF "Oh man, watch out everybody, here comes those 2 guys on the blue catamaran again - Keep an eye out for them will you!".

Thanks, Rod.