Rob, I sail both a 16 and an 18M solo a lot. I feel more in control on the 16 in bigger winds, I think because the jib area on the 16 is a smaller percentage of the total sail area. When flying a hull solo on the wire, dumping the main is a more effective safety valve on the 16. On both boats the jib is ususally cleated, without much chance of releasing it in an emergency. Actually, when it's blowing hard, I generally have both the jib and main sheets in one hand on the 18, both uncleated, and it's a handful, but necessary. I do sail in a very gusty area, though. In moderate and light winds, both boats are great fun solo.
Dave >From: "Rob Vaden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: [beachcats] Re: Questions: Righting alone/8" h20 >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2004 22:30:56 -0000 > > > >Wow!!! That must have been a heck of a ride coming down. I weigh >between 140 and 150 pounds depending on the time of the year and I am >5'10". I am considering buying a used Prindle 18, but I am unsure if >it will be too much boat for me to sail alone. I am forced to sail >alone a lot. I have no patience waiting for crew while watching the >wind blow. I am a relatively experienced sailor but I am new to cats. >I started sailing a friend's H16 because it was so much more stable >(and faster) than my Apollo 15. Is there much difference between a 16 >and an 18 as far as solo sailing is concerned. I will be storing it >at the beach with the mast up, so set-up won't be an issue. > -Rob > > > > > > BTW. I have righted a N5.8 by standing on the high hull and >hooking into a lengthened trap wire at 150# (yes it was a long time >ago) > > > > > > > > >Group Home >http://www.TheBeachcats.com > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! hthttp://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ Group Home http://www.TheBeachcats.com Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beachcats/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
