Sun Cat open water abilities

[Joseph]

Yes indeed, catn_nemo, I have been "Sassy's proud owner" for two seasons. I don't quite do "open waters" but have been able to try the SunCat several times, a few miles from land, in 20-25 kt winds, 2-3 ft waves, white-caps and streams of white foam. Even in these conditions the SunCat has a surprising ability to ride above the waves and chop, being one of the driest boats of its size that I have ever sailed. Sailing her single-handed, the only ability I miss in her from my time as sloop sailor is that she does not heave-to as a sloop does (I still have some experimenting to do on this...) but I have somewhat solved this apparent shortcoming with the aid of an automatic pilot.

Last July (July the 2nd., to be precise) I found out a hidden exciting side in her personality: while sailing back to Wiarton Harbour in Colpoy's Bay the wind suddenly picked up from straight ahead at (and very possibly, above) 20 kts. Sassy was not reefed and I had a moment of regret, but decided instead to pinch her into the wind. To my surprise (and pleasure!) the boat took off planing at above hull speed. For 15-20 minutes I was able to keep her planing closehauled at speeds I can only estimate at close to 7 kts. Each time she slightly bore-away I sensed she could be overpowered but each time she eagerly headed up instead. Then, as I reached the entrance to Wiarton Harbour I luffed the sail, started the Tohatsu, headed into the wind, connected the autopilot, doused and tied down the sail and motored to the dock, but this time with my heart pounding faster than usual. I had not expected the SunCat to be so exciting! The last portion of this video (from its 4th minute on) was taken when the wind was still around 10 kts, a few minutes before it steadily doubled in strength. I was too concentrated on the helm and excited to film the last part of the sail. I also did not feel I could trust "Steve-Theodore" (the "S-T"-1000...) that much.

Enjoy! and Happy New Year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg2Fmkrl1Ec

J.

 

[Bob23]

J:
  Thanks for takin' us along!
bob23

[capt_nemo]

Joseph,

Thanks for the detailed comments on Sun Cat Performance - really appreciated. Great boats aren't they?!

capt_nemo

[She's Still Mad]

10/05/2015
I really enjoyed my final sail of the year on Lake Erie for this season. Listening to NOAA weather we should have 1-2 ft waves with winds from the South East at 2-5 MPH. 5pm at the dock, only one jet ski, and "Puffin" (2003 Sun Cat) was in the water. I motored over behind the break wall and the wind felt more like 5-10, checked my wind gauge, it was 10-12! more from East-North-East, Sail up, we tacked to the Cuyahoga river mouth, turned left and headed out to big water on a broad reach. She did well with about 4-6ft swells at the mouth were the opening in break wall and lake, and waves 3-5ft rolling in from the North-East. I headed due north riding up and over the waves and She sailed perfect with little adjustments on the till. I went full sail letting out to dump the wind when she got overpowered, but that was only once or twice, Love this boat! I was safe and dry! time to head in I turned with the wind and waves astern, Sail all the way out 90 degree to the hull, Keel up to reduce drag  I literally "Surfed" the waves back to the beacons at Edgewater. What a hoot! it was one of the best times this year, Short but one of the best... Hopes for more next season!
Thankyou,
Joe Rogucki
Northfield Ohio.

[Craig]

Those old New England fishermen war'nt no fools! The catboat hull design is timeless(and seaworthy)!

[capt_nemo]

You bet'cha!

Former very satisfied Sun Cat Owner.

capt_nemo