I have a Nacra 5.7 and would like to know where to go to learn how to sail it. I'm in Pompano Beach. Would like to stay on the Inter if there is a place to go and people who could show me how to get started. I have sailed a little but a beginning novice at best.

Nice boat! Make sure you download the manuals in the technical help section of this website, they will answer many questions you may have on rigging. If you have any specific questions on rigging or sailing her make sure you search the forum and don't be afraid to post a question. There are several 5.7 owners here who are very active and have just gone through thier first couple of seasons with there boats. I think you will find that the overall opinion of the 5.7 is very positive! It's a great ride!

I don't know about where you would find people to sail with locally but I would suggest some books that will help you out. Catamaran Sailing From Start to Finish by Phil Berman and The Catamaran Book by Brian Phipps are good beginner books with lots of pictures. Once you master the basics Catamaran Racing for the 90`s by Rick White is the bible of catamaran sailing for both racing and non-racing. It contains the most up to date info on advanced techniques and sail/boat trim to get the most out of your boat. All are available at Amazon.

If no one can help you here (I'm sure someone will chime in) make sure you contact your local Hobie dealer. They will likely be able to put you in touch with a catamaran friendly local yacht club or catamaran club if there is one near by. I say to talk to a Hobie dealer just because they are the most prevelent and tend to be hooked into the local community. If there is a Nacra dealer near you they could probably help also.

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Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Thanks Dave,

Looking on Google earth I know Cats go to Key Biscayne just east of the bridge but I was wondering if there's a place a little further north around North Miami or Luaderdale.

Wayne

Oh, man... I just have to comment here....You are either one lucky guy or very smart in choosing a 5.7. It has been my boat of choice for over twenty years. I have a 5.0 a 5.7 and a Hobie 16. I've sailed on just about every kind of cat but for pure pleasure the 5.7 is the one for me. I assume your avatar picture is the boat in question? If so, I sure would be interested in some of the history and specifics of it....especially the square top main. Surely there has to be a beach crowd or sailing club in your area that could help out. Cat owners are probably the friendliest and most helpful bunch of people you'll meet. I've had sailors at regattas give me tips that could easily cost them the next race! One of the best sources of info is right here on Beachcats.com. I faced the same situation you are in many years ago and I do have a few tips for you....1)At first, until you get a feel for the boat ...don't go out alone. 2)Seal that mast!! Get some non-yellowing silicone caulk and go over every joint, rivet, mast head, hound, etc. that water can get into on that mast. 3)Adjust the cleat on the mainsheet block to engage with a definite upward "snap". I've seen so many new sailors hit a puff of wind and as the hull rises to the point of no return...freeze and forget to release the cleat and over they go. This way all you have to do is let go of the mainsheet and steer into the wind. 4) Carry a righting line. Reading the posts on this sight will introduce all kinds and methods of righting a capsized cat but the simplest is a 1/2" rope 12 to 14' in length tied to the rod under the mast base. You can watch my daughter and I using this method righting my 5.0 by going to youtube and in the search box typing in....hobie beach sick day.....because, what the heck...if we were afraid of getting a little wet, we wouldn't be sailing cats, right?? Anyway the 5.7 is one awesome boat and after some experience I know you will agree. Good sailin'!

Nacraman57,

Let me know if you didn't get my response to your post.

Wayne

Wayne, I'm just finishing up my first year with my first Cat, an '84 N5.7, sailed my 33rd day on it yesterday.
Nacraman is right, seal the mast, put a drinking straw on the end of your tube of marine silicone so you can get into the joints on the mast hound. Clean everything with alcohol or such so that the silicone sticks. Leave the holes at the base of the mast unsealed, so any water that does get in can get out. While experimenting with righting mine, I've had it on its side for 30 minutes, & only a few feet of the mast go below the water, no need for a float. Just get the bodies off the mast & rigging or it will try to turtle. I carry a righting bag when solo, but I have righted it just by swimming the mast around into the wind & hiking out.
Search this site for anything to do with 5.7, I have received a ton of information from experienced sailors here.
I also have a gallery in the Members Albums & one or two in the Tech Help section that have a few 5.7 pictures that might answer questions for you.
I looked at your photos in the Profile, you already have roller furling, that will be a big bonus when you want to sail solo.
I'm in Canada, don't know anything about your area, but there must be a Hobie fleet close by. You are lucky that you can sail pretty much all year. If you can get someone who knows what they are doing, it will save you days of experimentation. Once you understand the basics of sailing, don't be afraid to solo it, just keep to less than 10 mph wind to start out. 10 will fly a hull & tip you. If you are bored one day & the wind dies, tip it over, & experiment with righting, then when it happens in windy rougher water there is no fear factor.
You will love the boardless design, uncluttered hulls, room for 6! I don't race, so I don't fret over giving up a few points when beating, & it still amazes me how hard you can drive it into the waves with no tendency to pitchpole. After last weekend, I'm amazed mine is still in one piece!



edited by: Edchris177, Sep 13, 2010 - 10:47 AM

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Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
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Thanks EC,

Sounds like the kind of thrill I like, and no gas to buy or engine to overhaul. I used to road race at $2000 to $3000 per race weekend.

Wayne

I just purchased a 1984 Nacra 5.7 just over a year ago, and have had to redo everything except, tramp, trailor, and mast. I have had mine out about 8 times always in the Gulf near Galveston. Twice I had demasting occur, the first time was because of old shrouds and someone was tape happy and you couldn't inspect the wires and it kept the moisture in and it demast last time out all new lines but the front shackle messed up some how right above the bridles. The wind a current took us into shore. It is a great boat except for the demasting part of course. I went from a Hobie 16 and is a great upgrade. The learning curve from a Hobie 16 to the Nacra is a lot more than I thought but I have had friendly sailors give me tips. I bought the boat with trailor for $2,000.00 and have put about $1200.00 into it including 5.7 G-Cat sails which work pretty well but I bet the original n sails would be better but couldn't find any used sails at the time. For around $3000.00 I have a pretty fast boat and is a lot of fun throught the surf.

I like the stripes. It has a different look than most cats. I'm glad I aquired the 5.7, haven't heard anyone who was not thrilled to sail it. I got my boat just before Ike so no more dyke. It looks like you're down by Surfside. Bet you can't waite for them to fix it up. Have you heard any news on some progress there?

Wayne

That's dike have you heard any news on the dike?

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Looking on Google earth I know Cats go to Key Biscayne just east of the bridge but I was wondering if there's a place a little further north around North Miami or Luaderdale

Delray beach offers mast up storage on their beach (now available to non delray residents).

I know they do that on Ft Lauderdale beach also, I plan on going down there this Sunday to check it out, I'll check out Delray also.
Thanks MN3

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You can watch my daughter and I using this method righting my 5.0 by going to youtube and in the search box typing in....hobie beach sick day.....because, what the heck...if we were afraid of getting a little wet, we wouldn't be sailing cats, right??

That's a great sailing video! Did your boss ever see it? I can't call in sick to go sailing cause my cat is moored at my workplace. Makes it easy to sail after work though.

Delray Beach charges $250 per year with no waiting list. Ft Lauderdale charge $1200 per year and there is a waiting list. If you would like information about Delray send me a email at Hullflyer1@netzero.com

SuperKick

I know they do that on Ft Lauderdale beach also, I plan on going down there this Sunday to check it out, I'll check out Delray also.
Thanks MN3