Hey Kevin-nice to see someone else who enjoys the "other kind of cat". I too sail a 6.0 and sail a Herrshoff America Catboat. It is really relaxing to come home from sailing the 6.0 and walk down to the marina with the wife, baby, and dog and climb on a design that has been around since the late 1800's. I guess we have the origanal sqauretops (well sort of). It has been a learning curve when it comes to the correct uses of the gaff rig (the first time I scantilized I thought I would shred the main). I have kept mine all original, no cam cleats, no electric, still run kerosene fresnell lights. Champlain must be a great area to overnight.
They really are great designs, and that big "working" **** is great for the family. While Felix doesn't have much for high tech, she does have electric for the running lights and radio. I agree that the gaff rig is a different animal that requires a shift in thinking. (I like the idea of the "original squaretops".)
Lake Champlain is a great lake for sailing. Lots of history and historic boats. I work closely with the folks at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and a few of my good friends are boat builders. When not sailing or sea kayaking, my wife and I can also be found rowing replicas of circa 1875 pilot gigs (that have been built at the museum). We also still use an old Lightning (hull #3, belonging to the museum) that Olin Stephens came to talk about at last year's small boat show. Next week, I'll be helping one of my boatbuilder friends take a proa on its maiden voyage before he ships it off the the man in Chicago he built it for.
Any way to get on the water works for me
