I`ve had more than one monohull sailor ask me for hard numbers regarding the pointing abilities of my H16. This usually occurs after a little blurb whereby they tell me that Cats can ONLY reach or head downwind. I usually respond to this by saying; IF that were really true, Catsailors would never be able to get back to the beach with an offshore wind...then the puzzled look...the wheels turn. Eventually, they seem to figure out that Catsailors aren`t constantly being rescued in Europe after sailing from the the east-coast of North America.

I know from my limited experience the H16 can certainly go to weather. But I am also certain that my boat is not sailing the "advertised" 90 degrees through the wind either.

So, my question is; what are the pointing numbers for the average H16, as well as a race-tuned H16 with lots of rake?
I am sure the pros` have a good handle on this. What`s the scoop here?


Dave