Frenchie, I compliment you on keeping your cool. I have enjoyed this thread, until now when the editor, feeling that the participants have been too polite, questions your authority to question others and disputes your well reasoned claims on the basis of what? her experiences? No, her other authoritative friends. I thought we were close to a new age in sailing, when objective analysis and understanding of physical laws would perevade. And I thought we were at a new era for catsailor.com when we could civilly disagree. I am deeply disappointed and discouraged, and feel compelled to speak in your behalf.

I am confused about Wouter's statement. Some years ago a similar thread was on the old forum. I maintained as most have on this one, that speeds well inexcess of 20kt were normally possible. Wouter replied that the top speed of a 20'beach cat would be around 20kts, so did Bill Roberts. Bill Roberts sailed 'round Texel at an avg. slightly in excess of 20kts, so I argued that he must have exceeded 20kts substantially at times. Then it was pointed out to me that it was under wave assisted conditions. So it would appear that a following sea might add 2kts. The top speed of a cat ought to be (ideally) on flat water, or across at least 3 waves (to get an meaningful average). I think most of us would like to know what the burst capabilities are, but the speed of dropping down one wave face, while great fun, is no real indicator of how fast the boat itself can go. Frenchie, I would like to have your email. Steve Blevins