Com-Pac 16 Stability

[Ron Dettwiler]

I know most Com-Pac sailers are already aware of this, but I thought some new owners or "owner wanna be's " might like to hear this.

My sailing buddy and I spent yesterday sailing on Lake Martin, AL in my CP-16, "At Ease."  We had a perfect sailing day.  Consistent winds, clear sky, light power boat traffic, etc.  After we had been on the lake 3+ hours, five Catalinas appeared.  One 27 and four 22s.  We all turned into a beam reach and the race was on (I don't think we actually told them we were racing and we did have a bit of a head start).  

Now I would love to tell you they couldn't catch us (although one Catalina never did) but eventually we were passed by four of the five.  But this is about stability.  During their pursuit and after they passed us we couldn't help but notice how far over they were heeled.  More than one had their rail in the water.   We saw one nervous skipper quickly move to the windward side as his boat (the 27) tipped precariously.  Now "At Ease" heeled slightly but continued to sail beautifully.  One of the Catalinas had their main reefed.  We were flying the full main and the 115% genoa.  Never once did we feel threatened with capsizing.  We were however, careful to keep our weight to windward.

Later back at the dock of the Dixie Sailing Club one of the Catalina owners approached us and said that he had turned back when he saw how much the other Catalinas were heeling.  We never did hear officially how hard the wind was blowing but one skipper said he heard 15 - 20 knots.  

We may not be the fastest thing on the water but we are stable.  To me this means we can continue to sail and enjoy the weather when others are turning back.  This potentially increases our number of sailing days.  And isn't that what its all about?

Fair (and gusty) winds,
Ron
CP-16 "At Ease"

[CaptK]

To me this means we can continue to sail and enjoy the weather when others are turning back. This potentially increases our number of sailing days. And isn't that what its all about?

Roger that, Capt Ron! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Craig Weis]

That is a nice story and the one thing that sticks out about speed is, we may not have it...only because of our waterline length ratio...but we sail fastest upright. skip.

[SamG1965]

Hi Ron...

I just registerred here and introduced myself in another post. I was actually about to post a question about speed then saw yours!!! I'm not an owner "yet"... still a wanabee... but how fast (or slow) does the CP-16 sail. Of course I realize this is contigent upon the wind, but are these boats significanly slower than others? I'm really looking for more stability as an inexperienced sailer. Also hear the lake near me is somewhat busy and choppy. Would also like to take it in lager waters so security is more important. However... I would like to move along some too. Have these been known to move beyond 5 knots or so???

[Paul]

Hi Sam and Welcome.

Stability is great with the CP-16.  The cost of the stability is speed.  This is a displacement hull, not a planing hull, so it's speed is limited.  A laser or sunfish can crest the bow wave (plane) in order to sail faster.  So, yes, 5 knots is realistic.  What's cool, as mentioned earlier, is when the wind picks up and others are putting theirs away, we're out there enjoying such conditions.  CP-16's really come to life at 15 knots.  20 knots with a reef and small jib, if at all, is doable.  I've been out in stronger conditions with reefed main only, but I swore oaths I couldn't keep.

As for the chop, My wife and I have actually enjoyed sailing in 15 knots with a 1.5 to 2 ft chop.  Steep waves, but not too steep - weren't breaking waves.  Had a blast.  However, if you're referring to boat wakes in August with light air, well that's another story.  Again, swore oaths, but of a different kind. 

Chime in if you've ever had more than the lee rail under water on a CP-16!

Paul

[SamG1965]

Thanks Paul for the reply and pointers. The original boat I was looking at was a Macgregor 26. After researching I came down to earth a bit. Maybe a little too much boat for a beginner??? Besides... I'd like to stay under a $2k budget and learn a little more rather than sinking money into trial and error. But eventually, if I like the sport, I see myself in a larger boat. I hear a lot of pros and cons about Macgregor, one being poor handling. I've been hearing a lot of positive remarks about compac. Speed is the only "negative" but like you said, the trade off is more rewarding in other ways.