New to sailing & Com-Pac

[Stray Cat]

Hello Everyone,
I just started sailing a year ago. I've been a power boater since the mid 80's so I have a lot to learn yet about sailing. I  purchased a new Suncat this past December. I have a dark blue hull with burgandy canvas. I chose the Suncat because I always loved the traditional style of catboats and there seems to be a lot of loyal Suncat owners out here who swear by their boats. I've gotten a ton of compliments on Stray Cat from everyone who walks down the dock since I floated her.
I'm located in Ocean County, New Jersey.  Stray Cat and I spend our time on the Metedeconk River. I look forward to meeting any Com-Pac owners in the area.
Tim

[Glenn Basore]

Welcome Tim,

I'm sure you will find this site very use full and friendly.

Glenn

[Bob23]

Hi, tim:
   I also am one of the chosen ones living in the Garden State. Southern Ocean County- Manahawkin to be precise. I sail my 1985 23/2 on Barnegat Bay and she is home ported in Surf City, NJ. Before I bought her, she resided on the Navesink River at the Fair Haven Marina.
   We are tentatively planning a get together at Tice's Shoals, Island Beach State Park sometime this summer. The details have not been ironed out yet but it should be posted here at the site.
    Welcome aboard! and I look forward to meeting you! I love the Suncat. If I were to own a Compac Catboat, the Suncat it would be.
Bob23

[Stray Cat]

Hi Glenn, & Bob,
Thanks for welcoming me aboard.
Bob I live in Brick and Stray Cat is in a marina 5 minutes from my house at the west end of the Metedeconk. I saw your posts about Tices Shoal, I've been there many times with power boats and I'm familar with the area. I know the trip there used to take me about 1 1/4 hrs.  with a power boat. I'm not that good judging time and distance with sail yet but I would have to venture a guess of about 4 hrs. by sail.
Do you overnight at Tices Shoal or is it a day trip for the get together?
Tim

[curtisv]

Glenn,

We forgive you for being a former powerboater and heartily welcome you aboard.

Curtis

[Bob23]

Tim:
   Glad to hear you are a recovering powerboater. We usually overnight at Tice's, south of the main crazy area where the stairs and deck are. There is good water there, less people and we've always had a great time. It usually centers around eating, imbibing a bit, maybe imbibing a bit more, and just general vegging out. I like Tice's- great swimming, fresh wild blueberries along the trail to the beach (in season) and wonderful sunsets. We always joked that Corzine was gonna put up a toll booth there...guess we don't have to worry about that now.
   We'll be in touch...if I'm ever up in Brick, what marina are you at?
Bob23 & s/v "Koinonia"

[curtisv]

Glenn,

We forgive you for being a former powerboater and heartily welcome you aboard.

Curtis

Oops .. sorry it was Tim who just joined us and is the recovering powerboater.  Sorry Glenn.

Curtis

[Glenn Basore]

No harm done........

Glenn

[Stray Cat]

Bob,
I'm at Mermaids Cove Marina. It's a small family owned and friendly place on Mantoloking Rd.
Tim, the " recovering powerboater "

[DW]

Tim,

I'm also new to sailing (mostly canoes and kayaks until now, plus hundreds of hours in a much-beloved Folbot), and am hoping to have a 2003 SunCat delivered later this month.  I bought it after talking with a few SunCat owners (they all love theirs) and reading as much as I could about the boat.  I especially like the easy rigging of the SunCat.  I've been spoiled because I can sling a kayak on my shoulder, walk across the street to the community ramp and be paddling in three minutes.  I knew I wouldn't go sailing as often in a boat that was difficult to trailer, launch and rig, so I'm hopeful the SunCat will be quick and easy on the ramp.  Good luck.

David W.

[Stray Cat]

Hi David
Sorry I did not respond sooner, but I sometimes go days without logging on. It took me about 3 minutes to set the mast up after I had the boat in the slip. As far as trailering goes I prefer to keep my boat in the water. I trailered my first boat and after the first 2 seasons found it to be a pain, so I sold the boat and bought a motorcycle. Got tired of the bike and came back to boats, but decided I would not do the trailer thing again. That was the best decision I ever made.
I just started sailing a year ago. I took the basic keel boat course 2 years ago. All my friends are power boaters (and I get a lot of ribbing for crossing over to sail) so I"m just winging it. I can tell you so far I love my Suncat and I find the boat easy to handle.
I also have kayaks which I use on Forge Pond and the Metedeconk here in Brick. I just enjoy being on the water, it does'nt matter if it's power, sail or paddle.
Good luck with your new Suncat, I'm sure you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of her. There are a lot of Suncat owners at the Trailer Sailor website in the catboat forum. I found a lot of useful information and tips there.
Tim

[DW]

Thanks!  Good Lord willing, the SunCat will be arriving next week.