Thanks for the offer of a kite and I wil remember it.
The decision of boat was budget and availableity and I have no possible crew here.
In my mind the boat has been designed to hang up some giants in 5 to 12 knots. After that on a boat like this I will be in untested territory but mostly it will provide me with a great ride up to the Cavallies in the stunning sea breezes we get here..
While I LOVE heavy weather it has been in 80s style and quite agricultural boats so I am expecting to have some, shall we say, issues with the new speeds.
Regarding a road trip.. My freind and sailing buddy here has a superb B&B on the sea. I would say room for four 18s........ We would love any contact with cat sailers but I can't race you until this thing is going as our other rides are Hydras... but if you needed a crew who was keen and willing to learn for the day....