when i say larger cats, i mean something 30' or larger. my goal is to learn how to sail on a hobie and then move up to larger cats, eventually retiring on a 50'+ cat that i can cruise the world on. only 20 more years to go, but i was just wondering.
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<br>jeff<br><br>success is not having to work in may and october
<br>- art garfunkle

IMHO, there is no real comparison. The Hobie or any other small boat would help you learn sailing and racing a bit would expand your skill set even further. You might consider learning and racing a Hobie and then crewing on larger boats (even monohulls) to get an idea of what's involved with winches, anchors, motoring, mooring, etc.
<br>As you build your sailing skills try to catch rides at boat shows or charters to try out a big cat. With their WIDE beam, wheel steering, sometimes limited forward visibility, etc., they can be like driving a bus.
<br>Don't get me wrong, I love cruising cats, they are luxurious with a capital "L" and very stable. Speed in a cruising cat is relative -- often top line cruising mono's will beat your butt on certain points of sail.
<br>So, learn to sail. Sail on as many boats as you can get on. Try 'em out at sailboat shows. Charter if you can and/or take a catamaran cruising course from one of the schools.
<br>Have fun along the way!!
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It seems to me like the larger cats would handle differently when pitch-poling.
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<br>kyle <><
<br>h16 80065<br><br>