I'm kicking around getting an A-Class. What would you get? There's a whole pile of new and exciting boats out there.

remember, you'll have to allocate the same $$$ you spend on boat #2 to your better half... so pick the cheap one

It's an unwritten rule that, when violated, will result in extreme peril. Don't ask me how I know.

I heard there will be a few nice cats for sale in the San Francisco area in about a month from now

Not very good single handers though.

Ellen McArthur sailed a 75' Tri around the world alone.

I'm sure you can handle a little boat like that all by yourself, on an inland lake of course!

As far as the A cat thing, I've been thinking the same, but can't afford a new -anything- for a few years.

Any of you A cat boys want to swap your slightly used A cat for a slightly used F16? Maybe just for a day?

Karl, there are some insane deals on A Cats right now if you can set aside the newest platforms. Cutting edge rather than bleeding edge. Keep in mind that there are some new A Cat rules developments in the near future that should play into your choice. Happy shopping, Commodore.

A cats were/are changing so fast lately, I decided that I wasn't going to be able to keep up on the equipment level and I wasn't going to be happy with what I had sailing against the level I was trying to. My older boat (a boyer) was still pretty darn competitive on lakes.

That's the truth, Jake - every year, you can count on some design step forward. However, it sounds like the Class leadership is taking that element into account and seeking a way to mitigate it for sailors wanting to try their hand in the Class.

Is that kind of like a "B" fleet , or a "Development" fleet?

Karl,

DnA is now the benchmark, like the flyer was 8-10 years ago. It's a great class if you like to improve your boat,if you're looking for one design this ain't it. I'm taking the opposite course Jake did (imagine that) and trying to sell my F-18 to focus on the A. Lack of local crew, lack of distance races, and ease of setup of the A were my reasons. At your size you have the pick of just about any of them. Get up with me if you want anymore info.

p.s. Get it soon and practice, NA's will be on the Outer Banks of NC ( my home) next year.

Still is doing pretty well.

Wave...

I'd like to see a bunch of a-cats go through the surf at Hatteras:P

Hi Jay -

While the As were sailing here last month, there was talk of a second fleet within the Class for "obsolete" boats and beginner skippers. In addition, there was talk of eliminating the rule requiring the boards to be removable from the topside. That opens the door for T- and L-foils, and also makes the A3 a good platform again. Decisions may be made during the next Worlds.

I always liked the development aspect of the A. I'm just not the right size or shape for the boat.

A-3 has never gone out of fashion, it's what Lars Guck sails and generally dominates North America with. Dubs, as far as your size and shape, you're a lot better suited to an A than me or any number of other big guys. That's another good thing about a development class you change the boat to suit your requirements.

please god.... not a B fleet...

The aussies have it figured... the class races A class by handicap with three ratings. You CAN'T SPLIT A FLEET unless you have huge numbers.... EG. Hobie 16's back in the day..

The Wave qualifies as an A Class and has more regattas

Uh.... what is the "right size and shape" for the boat? I thought skinny little studs with big hair did well on light boats?

That's not big hair, it's a small hooter...

Mike

You can be light OR short... not both, IMO. I weigh in (normally) at 130-135 lbs. That pretty light for the boat, even with a shorter mast and flatter main. Tall people that weigh about the same (like Pease Glaser) can kill it in light to medium/flat conditions, and survive when the breeze comes up with the longer levers for righting moment. I'm light AND short - fact of life. San Francisco Bay on the front of a Hobie 16? I'm your man. Crewing the Nacra 17 with a cute(r) blonde on the back in anything over 10 knots? Not the right place for me - I become a liability on the beat.

One of the reasons I love multihull sailing; lots of options. I've been lucky to sail with a lot of different people on a lot of different boats. I know where my size is an asset and when it isn't. It has inevitably been a frank conversation with many skippers over the years.

If there is a B Fleet that evolves within the A Class, that may be a place I can play, but I don't ever expect to be a champion on that boat. Regardless, it will be the members of that Class that make that decision. Not teh internets.