Hello, I'm new to this forum and came here because I would like to get a fast new toy this summer and wonder wich class have the more competition/event curently? I live in Quebec, Canada.

Thanks you
Guillaume

I don't know that you'll get a clear answer for such a large area . . . you might want to see which clubs are in your area and go from there.

I know there's a strong Mystere class in Point Calumet, Québec. I can't recall the club's name, but I believe it was founded by Mystere's owner Yves Sansoucy (it might even be "Club Sansoucy" or something like that.

Hope that helps.

Mike

Solo? Get a A class (expensive) or a F16 (more affordable)

Duo? Depends on your weight with crew. F16, F18 or an N20 if you want to go far.

Strapped for cash, just want to have fun? Get a frankenboat, any old Nacra can be made exciting with a spi, a H16 is always a sure bet and take a spi (but not too much weight).

Franckly this is quite an open question, everyone is going to jump in with recommendations. Without information about how you are going to use your new toy it's hard to recommend anything. Find the nearest sailing club, go see what they sail, buy one there used from one of the guy, go sailing.

What I'm looking for is really the most active class in Quebec province and on the US east coast. I do want quite a fast boat to compete in large fleet, not just a toy to have fun during week-ends. I already have a 26' mono and 31' tri for that purpose! (well, the mono is quite boring and is going to finance the little cat:P)

As much as possible in a class, I would like a boat that is customisable and allow for new technologie. I have looked at the F18 rules and find them a bit restrictive but still reasonable (simetry of foils, limitation of laminating resin, minimum weight,etc). Is there a class that welcome new technologie a bit more AND is a popular choice to race?

As for solo or duo, I'm not set on that so it's not an important criteria, altough I think the F16 allow for both option wich has it's own advantage.

hope this help a bit more to guide me

Guillaume

F18 is by far the best racing class in Quebec.
There is a growing class of F17 but that is more restrictive than F18.

To your first question, hands down, the most active class is the Hobie 16.

However, we have very strict one-design rules. If you think the F18 rules are tough, you definitely don't want a Hobie 16.

I would recommend the F18 for you. There are good pockets of active boats in the areas you mentioned.

Mike

I don't know how long it's been since you've been looking into catamaran racing, but the entire market is pretty fractured. It's not like the 70's when Hobie was the marquis name in the market.

I don't think you'll find one class that is dominant, any more.

For most people, the most popoular local class is the class that dictates what they sail. If you're up for trailering your boat up and down the east coast, then anything is fair game. As pepin suggested . . . it depends on your sailing preferences. There are plenty of fast boats to choose from, but if you have to drive 5+ hours to race it, you'll likely lose interest fast.

I'd let your sailing preferences dictate what type of boat you buy. If you get an A Cat or an F16 or an F18 or a Nacra 20, you'll find plenty of competitive racing.

My primary advice is to look local first.

Mike

With what you want in a development class, its going to be hard to mesh that with a strong racing scene. H16's and F18's are definitely have the biggest classes, however for you, I'd recommend a F16 or A Class for the development route.

Thanks guys the choices are narrowing, I have looked at the F16 and A class rules and definatly like the F16 ones but from the wesites found it look like it is not very active in USA and even less in Canada, am I right or wrong on this? How does it compare to the F18 fleet?

There is no F16 class in Quebec, and probably no A class as well. The only class that has a proper organized schedule is F18. http://www.canf18.com

Pretty evenly...we actually race them boat for boat (F16 and F18) here often.

It pales in comparison to the F18 class member-size wise.

It is growing however (but so is the F18 class for that matter)

Guillaum C. check your PM