I bought a 2003 Flyer A-Cat. Mostly to sail for fun. I believe their are about 4-5 regattas to go to a year, but I am supposing it’s not to competitive. I am not to concerned. But how far out of date am I on a development class?
I’m not to worried bout being last, but if everything is much faster should I upgrade something on the boat?

Actually, you'll be in the hunt in the "classic" class in light air. The straight boards have less drag than the C foils in the sub-8 knot range. If was going to upgrade your boat, I would go for a deck sweeper sail as the first upgrade, then rudder winglets, and finally a C board conversion.

-Mike

Hi Mike220
I am same boat as you ( both figuratively and literally) .I too purchased a 2004 Aussi Flyer,straight boards and wingless rudders.So far I have not upgraded anything and like you bought the boat more for fun sailing.I think there are guite a few Aussie Flyers still sailing so if you are thinking of an Event keep me in the loop and maybe I will hook up with you.The North Americam A Cat Class forum has been very helpful to me,as has as Ken Marshak from your area.BTW I am also now sailing a Hobie Tiger.Love to talk some time.My contacts are
[email protected]
(807) 577-2109
(807) 475-4812
Mike Madge
Thunder Bay On

If you bought it for recreational fun, I wouldn't worry about it. I know it isn't fun to always lose, but on-time starts, picking the right shift, simple sailing, non-breakdowns, and time on the boat will do more than a deck sweeping sail, rudder winglets and different boards. I have been racing cats for 30 years and never had a "perfect" boat. I've rarely had new sails and didn't worry about fairing boards and rudders. I feel I have done very well racing. Am I always the top 5%, nah.. But, I have spent a lot of time on the water knowing the boat. Now, if you are planning on racing nationals or worlds, it will be a different conversation.. that is where money helps keep the experience at the top. When you start losing regattas by a few seconds, then worry about dropping the cash into "gadgets". Sometimes, the gadgets are more of a pain to deal with and they keep you from having fun.

Like Texas said, in wind sub 10 knots you will be faster than the C board boats, I've got a good mate I've raced against for a very long time and I've watched him go from Boyer 3 through a couple of other designs and now he's on a newish C board boat but I've been doing better against him now than I was when he was on your type of boat. He only purchased it 10 months ago and still learning his boat so probably one day he'll go a lot faster