Ok....I am "considering" an A-cat as my second cat and have been reading everything I can find, and have concluded that there are a "lot" of choices. So thought I would start a thread to help me sort through some of the decisions that have to be made. Hopefully the thread can serve similar assistance to others as well. First a few facts about myself:

weight: 195-200 lbs.
height: 6'2"
skill level: mid fleet, but improving.
Why A-cat?: large competitive fleet, lightweight singlehanded boat, and I understand that tweaking control lines on an A provides very good feedback...so the hope is that feedback will help me improve my overall skill level.

One last note: In addition to sailing this boat in A-class events, I will also occasionally sail it in open class club racing in light winds. Therefor, I would like to consier putting a chute on it just for those circumstances.

I have figured out that I need a stiff platform (would prefer newer wave piercing design), and due to my weight (and the spinaker potential), will need a stiffer mast. Also I understand the bighead mains are most desirable today.

I don't need brand new, but I do want a competitive boat, so as to not be able to blame my lackluster results on anything but myself...and hoepfully I will improve more with a good boat. Since I am not expecting initially to be in the top half of the A-class fleet, I can't justify spending $20k especially since this will be my "second" boat. (N20 will remain my primary). Sooo...I want to try to keep this down below $10k....not sure that's do-able, especially when I add the spin rig, but that is the goal.

Now...I am looking for advice on platform, rig, sail selection, and anything anyone else (especially current A-class experts) wants to throw my way.

Regards all,