Dinghies VS Cats

But with the time taken to tack ( and I'm nto just talkinf about cats  here, fast dinghys B14, 49er etc as well) you can't make use of the smaller shifts, your looking more for the longer duration wind patterns, long ossicilations, wind swing etc.

I agree that cats sailing long courses do have their own unique tactical considerations, but put a fast boat on a short course and it corner time!

I think cats are good for long distance races, but for boat on boat racing, you can't beat a dinghy

Isis,
Just because you have a small boat and have to show your manliness through big sails. And i don't care how fast cherubs go so dont bother comparing a 4k to a cherub b4 thinking about it. The only reason i started the thread was because i didn't know how fast cats were to dinghys and now i know. But thanks for taking the piss it was a really helpfull post

Originally posted by allanorton Cats look depressing to sail, reaching around everywhere with main pulled in tight.  I would sooner give up sailing than sail a cat, just my opinion.

Thats because they are fast enough to generate enough aparent wind.

Take a look at something like a rs800 .. once it gets moving, it can point quite a long way downwind, yet both crew can be trapezing flat, and the boat can be at full speed.

Same thing goes with a cat .. thet are just a chunk faster :P

[edit: and well said BBSCFaithfull ]


Edited by Villan

Not this bloody argument again.......

If you think cats or skiffs are less tactical, don't tack, gybe or are easier to sail......  Then sail one at a competitive level then come back to be with the conclusion.....  I'll save you some time.  It is total BS.

Regarding speed.....  Up wind the cat will smoke a mono.  Only the 18 skiff is getting sort of close to a cat upwind.  Downwind, cats with kites will smoke most monos with only the Aussie skiffs giving them a bit of competition.

If you wish to knock the cats.....  Post your credentials.....  What cat racing have you done, at what level and what cat.  It seems that those how wish to knock cats have only ever punted around on a beat up Hobie 16 or 18 at best......  reaching back and forth.

Go out and race in an F-18, Tornado, A Class fleet or something of the same standard.  When you reach the top half of the fleet atleast, then come back and comment.

Edited by Tornado_ALIVE