The F18 is the fastest growing catamaran class in the world, with world titles capped at 200 boats. They are faster then an 18 foot skiff and a LOT cheaper. Knowing this why is there only one F18 in Western Australia? And Why is there only 1 big cat class (tornado) sailing in Western Australia?


Any thoughts?

quote:

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Originally posted by Yachty Boy

The F18 is the fastest growing catamaran class in the world, with world titles capped at 200 boats. They are faster then an 18 foot skiff and a LOT cheaper. Knowing this why is there only one F18 in Western Australia? And Why is there only 1 big cat class (tornado) sailing in Western Australia?


Any thoughts?

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Because compared to kiting and windsurfing, big cat sailing is expensive and slow.
Imagine having to tow around a big trailer, spend hours rigging, having nobody to race against and then be blasted past by guys on equipment costing one fifth the price!

Sorry - just getting a little negative there. The F18's look cool, I don't know why they aren't more popular. I suspect cost is the reason.

sure the f18 may be as fast as an 18ft but not as much fun i have sailed all types of skiffs and other monohuls, and cats dont come close to the fun had on a mono, sorry guys and u tell me where a 14fter is over $35000

im trying not to start a mono v cat argument
but all that said the f18 is the best of all cats, except maybe the A class it's hard to choose

kris

Why do you always read the forums then Big Girl?

quote:

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Originally posted by kris59

sure the f18 may be as fast as an 18ft but not as much fun i have sailed all types of skiffs and other monohuls, and cats dont come close to the fun had on a mono, sorry guys and u tell me where a 14fter is over $35000

im trying not to start a mono v cat argument
but all that said the f18 is the best of all cats, except maybe the A class it's hard to choose

kris

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A class? i hope you are joking mate! those things break apart if the wind gets over 17 knots or if there is the slightest bit of chop on the water.

you guys know how much is a 49'er in racing condition or an "australian skiff" i hope this is the right term..i've always told myself if i have the mucho dinero i'd like to get one hopefully..i've sailed hobies and laser class' but nothing compares to the speed these monohulls are! in my opinion...cheers

Yeah its abit easier to tow the boat on the flat, still not legal but only a few inchs over width not like the tornado's.

Would be good to see some of the tornado's travelling to some of the regatta's down south this year?!

I'd like to see the Formula 20 rule get some weight behind it in Australia, those cats rock.

At a local level there are only two really popular cats in WA (hobie 16's and windrush) but every where else there are just as many feeder classes as mono classes.

As far as the tornadeos lossing olympic placing i don't think it is going to affect cats much at all. Theres more prestige in saying your world champion in a 100+ boat fleet in a f18/hobie 16/a-class worlds then gold at the olympics. It'll be good to see what happens to ISAF with the talk of a catamaran international body seprate from ISAF.

Probably one of the main reasons, F18's have not taken off yet in WA is our strong winds. I sail a Hobie 16 at Nedlands where we have produced several National champions recently (Darren Smith, Gavin Colby, Cam Owen), a world champion (Gavin Colby) & a 3rd (Cam Owen) in the last Worlds completed in October in Fiji.

Our "top gun" Hobie 16 sailors & others (myself included) have contemplated Hobie Tigers but the concern is the cost of repairs if sails are destroyed by strong winds or even capsizes.

Our Tornado fleet at Nedlands is "too old" as most boats are 10 years plus in age. These boats are lucky to survive 18knot winds without some sort of damage.

The Hobie 16 is a "bulletproof" boat which can sustain 25 plus knots without too much fear of damage.

If you are interested to see a Hobie 16 in action, drop into Nedlands on any Sunday usually. You can also visit the Hobie Cat WA website for contacts as well.

Im willing to sell my Infusion and buy new just to build the numbers up, but would only sell to someone who is gonna race it regularly, onyl way to build numbers