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.
jeff
success is not having to work in may and october
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Have fun along the way!!
It seems to me like the larger cats would handle differently when pitch-poling.
kyle <
h16 80065