This year my family asked if we can get a small runabout to play on the bays, tubing, skiing and stuff. We decided to wait until next year for financial reasons. So I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get them out sailing. The ZEF is a bit uncomfortable, small and slow but my wife and younger daughter enjoy it. I figured something a bit larger and more exciting would be the ticket for teenagers.
A brief search and I found a G-Cat 5 meter for sale. Went and picked her up a few days ago, brought it to the beach the next day and rigged her up. That is where she sits right now. Unfortunately I did not get the cat on the beach until late afternoon Sunday. After sorting through all of the rigging and struggling to step the mast it was close to dusk.
I must admit, she is intimidating. That mighty mast and main sail can make a nub cower. The boat is in nice shape, sails seem really nice (though I never touched nice new sails), hulls appear solid, rigging is all working and pretty clean. The tramps seem dated but I jumped up and down on one and it held me fine (210+). I will change them but probably over the winter.
Anyone have any tips? I will be cruising the family around a lot but will also try and solo sail. I will start in light wind as I don't want to tip and scare the crap out of the family and turn them off to sailing. Is this boat going to hold us and gear at 600 pounds? No need for speed just stability. I know my 12 year old daughter will want to go just us for more fun but I need to gain confidence first.
