Looking back on some older stuff from 2013 & 2014 I see a lot about the PSA Capricorn not to be confused with the AHPC Capricorn of the past. I have heard very little about this boat since it was announced,there was a bit of stir last year.
I like mine. I have a 2013 PSA Capricorn. We have just changed the rudder lockdown system and gone to a new sailmaker. We have had success with the boat picking up a first and a couple seconds. I haven't been racing much this year due to some family matters.
We had a couple small problems early in production. All in all I like the purchase. I am actually having a new one built. If you want my 2013 let me know.
I have been at a couple of regattas with the PSA capricorns, the first was a nationals in Victoria, the first two days the sea state was was really large swell (6-8ft) with with around 25 knots of breeze. at the time I had the AHPC capricorn and found the going very hard downhill. the guys on the PSA boats were doing it a lot easier, the rear beam clearance was very good and extra buoyancy everywhere was clearly making a huge improvement to the boat in heavy weather. I believe it was Taylor booth that sailed one into 4th that year just in front of a AHPC Capricorn and behind a C2.
At both regattas the boats were having rudder issues, broken rudders and loose fittings, that stuff can happen to anyone.
Overall the boats are quite well sorted, most of the systems are what you would find on a nacra or hobie. Not a huge fan of the suspension tramp, each to his own. All the PSA boats (and most of the fleet) were over min weight at the weigh in. considering the very high min weight of the F18 class you would think it would be easy to make a boat below min weight, but that is another story.
The Australian dollar has gone to the crapper, so its a great time to buy an Aussie boat!
Just bought the last two spinnakers and a Neil Pryde Harness from the boys down under. They were great to work with and the shipping was less than expected. Yes! buy everything from OZ. Their dollar really is in the crapper. Two spins and a harness for under $1400 USD including the shipping. Rich, What was changed on the rudder system?
The rudder lockdown system was changed. It is just a more user friendly set up. The old system worked well but did have a few little flaws. We have sold several of the spins and sails here as well as put our rudder system on a Phantom.
Richard Vilvens Brand Ambassador PSA Capricorn USA R.Vilvens@yahoo.com Fairfield, Ca F-18 5150
