Switching to a fast boat......possible?

Generally cats lock the mainsail at the top of the mast with a ring on the halyard fitting over a peg at the top of the mast. To get the sail down you haul on the halyard and while holding the tension rotate the mast to release the ring, and then haul it down. A-class dont tend to use halyards, just a super stiff bolt rope, so to hoist the main you just push it up the slot.
In terms of releasing it on the water, I think I'd rather capsize it and sit on the bottom until the wind dies down!
I dont have enough knowledge of the F16 such as the blade, but a fairly modern A-class should be fine for what you want and contrary to popular belief seem to be fine with short sharp chop, just ask Nigel Lovett !!!
Of the current designs the 'Tool' seems to carry weight well and is less prone to stopping in the waves.

Good luck with your quest

Hi Guys

 

Took a drive over to Changi sailing club this weekend to take a look. Quite a few cats around. On the notice board I did see an A class and F16 (blade?) for sale. Both around the same price.

I must admit that the A-class sort of looked a bit more like my thing, sleek and lots of carbon.

 

If I had no interest in racing, just wanted to blast around in winds that can hit 25K in the NE monsoon and pretty choppy, come back in with a big grin, what would be the choice?

 

Can the A-class be sailed in 10-25K gusty wind and chop as it looks the best choice for the many 0-10k days?

 

One other question, in the SW monsoon, we can get hit by big storms, the winds can be quite violent for a few minutes or longer. If stuck out in one of these can the sail be released enough so that the boat points to wind and can ride it out without capsizing?

the thing is with the A class its great upwind (prob the best boat on the market up wind) just downwind is tame compared to boats with kites

The F18 would be a good choice if a robust boat is needed due to the robust build required by the hull weight rule (180kg all up sailing weight)

 

G.R.F is still an importer of Dakine and excocet e.tc gear. I doubt anyone would forget Graham

Dan

By the way, is G.R.F, a former Mistral raceboard sailor/importer or still is?

If so i know him from many many years ago when he was battling with the LDC surf team. He wont remember me, biut he will know my former sailing mates.