A big vote for the CP16, best ever.

[Mas]

Just recently saw this posted yesterday by Keith Scott.

"The Com-Pac 16 is the best boat in the World to learn how to sail. That's a pretty strong statement. How can this be true? The next few paragraphs will explain why. The 16 has a moderate sail plan and 40% ballast to displacement ratio. That's good and good for a person learning to sail. The moderate sail plan means you can sail more often than other people that have racing or large sails on their boats. The ballast ratio means that anyone can see the "cause and effect" while sailing. If a little boat is too tender (light ballast or no ballast), it will be too quick to tell what's going on while sailing. Everyone sailing that type of boat needs to have already learned how to sail on a Com-Pac 16. Some people might say that the shoal keel is a shortcoming on a 16. I say that the shoal keel lets a new sailor know when he or she is over-powering the keel. A shoal keel will slide sideways and a deep keel will mush when over-powered. Both types of boat can be over-powered.

Why is the 16 so good at teaching sailors how to sail? Can you think of an airplane banking and doing tight maneuvers? That's what a 16 can do. A board boat like a Sunfish can't and a medium sized boat like 23 can't and certainly a big boat like a 27 or bigger can't. Can you think of yourself being on a 16 and sitting on the low side of the cockpit in light wind? You are making the sails hang in a position that gives them the right shape. Human weight in the cockpit of a 16 is moveable and shapes the sails and points the keel. Moving a human aft and on the low side points the keel in light wind. All boats follow their keel. You can see large boats with many, many people on the high side keeping it upright and driving the boat faster. The 16 can do the same thing with fewer people. A simple tack is a great maneuver. Some people do it well and others do it not so well. A POWER tack in a 16 leaves most other sailboats behind. A great tack is a graceful swing from one heeling attitude on one tack to the opposite heeling attitude on the other tack. It's also the way small airplanes change direction. You should be able to get some exercise and look good at the same time if you practice.

What other sailboat can change its physical attitude to the water's surface like a 16? I think the answer is none. Keep in mind, anyone can sail a sailboat in big winds, but it takes talent to sail one in the light stuff. Get good with a 16 and you can sail it anywhere. Maybe even in no wind. Learning to sail a 16 well can qualify you as a big boat skipper. I think of the 16 as a sports car and big boats as trucks. You have to know how to park a truck.

How will you know when you reach that point of perfection called "good"? A good 16 sailor is one that can sail home when the engine fails. He or she can handle the boat like it's an extension of their being. You don't have to think about the physical aspects of sailing, you do it automatically. If you are an experienced driver, you don't have to think about driving your car down a road. You did in the beginning, but not after you got good at driving. It's the same with sailing and that means you need to sail every chance you get."

certainly was true for us. 

[MHardy]

Mas, I was going to post this later tonight! An older, but similar article on Keith's website is how I first learned about Com-Pacs, purchased my 16 and started sailing about six years ago.

[Mas]

Mas, I was going to post this later tonight! An older, but similar article on Keith's website is how I first learned about Com-Pacs, purchased my 16 and started sailing about six years ago.

We love our little 16. They just look and feel right don't they!?  Thank you Clarkie and Hutch.

[hinmo]

Love mine, and its for sale again. I have had upwards of 15 sailboats in my aging career. The lil CP16 filled a large void in my boating life. I love "Spring Moon" and will miss her greatly.

(bought a bigger one....up and down I go!)

[Mas]

Hey hinmo,

where are you located and how much ya asking for Spring Moon? Will send folks your direction. Sure you just don't wanna keep her too!

[ChuckD]

Great article.
I guess I never knew that - in light winds - you should also sit aft. (I knew about sitting to lee.) Will have to try that this week!

UPDATE: Okay, I sat aft, to lee. Maybe it's my imagination, but I kinda hauled today (thank you, Pacific NW)! It's a different experience placing myself aft - the tiller & sheets, the ride (seems springier), and there's so much boat up front - it "looked like" I was sailing a 19! 

[wes]

Keith Scott has forgotten more than I'll ever learn about Com-Pacs, and about sailing in general. I've learned so much from his web site, and from talking with him.

I do wish he hadn't recently decided to start sharing his political opinions on the site. That's his privilege of course, but I think it detracts from his stature as the grand old man of NC sailing.

Wes

[hinmo]

Hey hinmo,

where are you located and how much ya asking for Spring Moon? Will send folks your direction. Sure you just don't wanna keep her too!

1500
http://southcoast.craigslist.org/boa/5840622741.html
will pm you also - thx

Sure you just don't wanna keep her too! -
NE is tough. Depending on late season storms, the season can be from 8 weeks to 16 max. I have one nice fishing boat and a new (old) sailboat, and Spring Moon. ....tough to justify!

[Mas]

Got the PM and replied. Nice area up there. She will make someone a great boat, looks to be in great shape.

[Mas]

Well a 16 can also do something many other boats can't do and it ain't sailing....well related...

We've had some exceptionally low tides with the wind blowing it out over the last few. Tucked in so close I carried the anchor to it's resting place. Knee deep, went ashore ate lunch, wandered around on this island, then let the wind move her out more as i walked the anchor out. Started motor, pulled the hook and left. So when's the last time you took your boat for a walk!! 

[DaleM]

Taking the boat for a walk is right on the mark!  I took my C16 to Port St. Joe last week and had 4 days of perfect conditions.  The 16 performed beautifully.  It was the first time to sail in salt water with consistent wind.  What a difference to be able to tie the tiller and kick back for an hour of wind, sun and the company of a pod of dolphins.  Port St. Joe Bay is an excellent place to sail inside the barrier island of Cape San Blas.  I stayed at the Port Inn, across from the city launch.  It was nice to park the boat and trailer at the inn after sailing; free of charges.  So, I know there is a gathering in Cedar Key, Fla. each spring, however, I would suggest a gathering in St. Joe for those looking for a great location.
Fair winds!