Only thing I saw close to flipping was the woman, flipping out that is

Probably not close at all. Cats can go fast and be pretty safe about it. They can surf down waves at the speed mentioned in good control. The problem is that things happen very fast at these speeds. However we have surfed into bars at a consistent 15 knots for up to 30 seconds at a time and have averaged 14 knots over the chart for over 40 minutes. Our top speed is 20 knots and it is pretty much the same as most other fast surfs - you have to wait for the GPS to tell you whether you are going super fast. A good cat will steer well at speed. If you broad reach and go fast you can always unload the rig and boat by bearing away. So long swells, nice big seabreeze or trade, broad reach and someone in the cockpit and you are fine to get the boat going fast and be very safe. Then again, if conditions are not conducive, slow down and be prudent. But when its good, it can be very good.

Jolene said..

Bristolfashion said..
Interesting that they never wear pfds or clip on, even when going forward when a bit overpowered in a reasonable blow.

Maybe I'm just a wuss!

No, your scensible and I bet you not disrespectful or would not be disrespectful when you visit foreign peoples lands too

Try to always be respectful - although it's a bit easier for us as we tend to visit countries with relatively similar cultures; France, Spain, Poland, Denmark etc. In some other cultures where you don't know the rules & customs, it can be more difficult.

That's insane!

She's an accident waiting to happen (not the boat) - all that loose clothing and hair flying around the winches. The boat is more than capable, but at those speeds I'd like a hand ready to release a sheet.

Not leaving much headroom if a strong gust came through.
Either way, flying a hull on a large cruising cat is a bad thing if that's what they were doing.

crewloose said..

Kankama said..
.. However we have surfed into bars at a consistent 15 knots for up to 30 seconds at a time and have averaged 14 knots over the chart for over 40 minutes.....

You can always tell the bettet bars, they'll have a cold one ready WITH a coaster.

Even better when the bar maid has a nice set