Bob, not to be picky but if you have that much experience sailing, surfing, and kayaking, what are you doing 3 miles away after sunset with the wind dying? Crazy ole bob!

You beat me by a few years surfing and I dont kayak. Been surfing since 70 though (still have original Hansen Mike Doyle Pointed Tail among others). And what limited paddling I have had to do around the Carolina coast, the prone position on the pontoon has been fine. As a surfer, I am surprised you call it "dog paddling" anyway. To be honest, on the H16, you can move it at a VERY fast clip when paddling from the pontoon once you get your rhythm going. It's actually a more natural feeling to me than paddling. And to show you how childish I can be, I will be willing to bet you my 83 H16 that I can go faster paddling from the pontoon than you with your flexi-flyer paddle. If I win, you have to throw away the paddle! If I lose, you can lend me your kayak.

I had a feeling the "paddle guys" would be up in arms here. Where are the seat of the pants sailors here? Anyone left that throws on the Birdwells and gets it on without all the Hobie Gear and paraphenelia? Paddles, compass, VHF, Water Bottles, Horns, Flares... Hell, it was enough to bring a jacket in the old days!

I always saw the cat sailors more like this than the monohull brigade which was far more gimcrack-laden. I suppose I wont hear the end of the Paddles R Us as anyone that uses one feels the need to defend it and most that dont, wont be sitting on a computer typing about sailing. What's my excuse?

heh.

kh

ps - Jim, seriously, I dont blame you for that stuff, nor a paddle on an I-20. Your comments DO make sense and experience proves it is important. I guess I have still not given up the free feeling I had when sailing in teens and 20s. I'm 43 now and still only bring a life jacket and harness onboard. Your'e right about the harness and hull quagmire but if the wind is that light, it's off anyway. Respect your choices but to me, sailing a cat means FREE of all that. Perhaps in a few more years, I will think differently. I just bought a Beneteau F235 monohull so things are already starting to slide...heh. Still take the 16 out though but it's getting harder to pull it up the beach nowadays. Just a little friendly sparring on ye olde forums