[quote=sullivar]Thanks for the comments.
Lonbordin: good point about comparing cats using DPN. But DPN is about VMG over an upwind/downwind race. To me, the reason for cats is speed - and in that way cats might be more like windsurfers and kite boarders than monos. If I want to DPN I'm probably better off sailing with a bunch of other people in lasers (I do that to, and its fun in a different way). To know how fast my cat is capable of going its all about beam reaching back and forth in a good breeze (not upwind, downwind).
Tryong for max speed is not entirely pointless either. I've learned alot about my boat trying to go faster on a reach. What rotation, sail shape, rake etc etc should I use on this point of sail. Some of the interesting things I've learned on the H14 are - max speed without trapezing ~15-16 knots, max speed trapezing >18 knots. Tha challenge for me was making the transition to trapeze on a broad reach in a strong wind. Also a jib barber hauler on the H14T has made a huge difference - gives lift and speed on a reach instead of plowing the bows in. My (trivial) obsession has always been - is the H14 capable of a (real) 20 knot run? Haven't been there yet but maybe it is possible.
Coastrat: I agree about tuning off the gps. I have learned that going a little deeper than what looks good on the tell tails often gives up another half a knot - you'd never know without the gps. I keep the gps in a clear wet bag clipped to the tramp. It works OK but have capsized a couple of times trying to read current speed instead of watching what I'm doing:-)
Cheers,
Sullivar
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