Under rated boats

How on Earth can it be a monohull?  It has two hulls.  I think your strapline says it all!

While we're about it, we can add the tunel hull scow moth to our list of under-rated boats.

Unlike a Vortex, it is easily possible to progressively heel the scow, e.g.  to windward when sailng on a run, or to leeward when sailing on the wind, which usefully reduces the wetted area when required. On the ther hand it can be kept upright for planing or if you get a bit nervous about stability, so it's fun when you're feeling brave, safe when you're not. It thus offers a unique and interesting sailing experience.

From what I've seen at our club, the Vortex is difficult to sail consistently on one hull (and certainly not to windward on a run), and as reported above, it doesn't speed things up anyway when you do - not very interesting.

I've often wondered whether the skiff Moths would have ousted the scows if the the rules had allowed more sail area - scows can generate appreciably more righting moment...

Also to jump in at the vortex's defence (dare i say anything) its actualy one of my more favoured big wind boats!!  I recall sailing one in a solid Force 4 and had barely started to depower it (and i weigh nothing), Loadsa fun in the big winds!!  Although ive not yet played with one with the kite attached so im thinking even more big wind fun!!  Wouldnt sail it in less than a 4 though......

Doug

p.s come on all you light weights out there, give the vortex a try!

The general consensus from a Google on “definition of catamaran” is:

Or something along the lines:

So this is all implying 2 distinct hulls connected via a third (or more) frames / decks.

But from this link: http://dict.die.net/catamaran/

3. A kind of fire raft or torpedo bat.
 
              The incendiary rafts prepared by Sir Sidney Smith
              for destroying the French flotilla at Boulogne,
              1804, were called catamarans.         --Knight.
 
4. A quarrelsome woman; a scold. [Colloq.]