Cats don't sail to windward in heavy weather

And when we got back from our camping trip, there was this great email from Rick -

'Just raced to Cygnet regatta from Kettering in 25 to 40 knots all head wind.

'Started last - broke shackle on main sheet, broke rope replacing shackle. All head wind sailing apart for last mile which was a reach. Fifth over (finish) line from 70 or so starters!!!!! Got beaten by a Sydney 38 and some champion etchel racer. How's that for a cruising clunker? Best part was doing 9-10 knots hard on the wind and no wet weather gear. I LOVE MY BOAT. Then they gave me first prize on handicap.

'One amazing thing I did see was on the last short reach. It lasted about 5 minutes and I was humming along at 14.3 knots when a small tri called Rocket Alice went passed me like I was standing still! I think they got wet cause all I could see was spray.They pipped me from fourth place but we had a nice roast cooking.

'Why would anyone want a momo? One of the hot shot racers from town (who got in half an hour after me) asked me the same question. It really p*sses them off when we pass eight blokes on the weather gunnel and we are passing around the coffee plunger. One thing that I found amazing was when punching into a wave train our cat doesn't jolt to a halt. It just punches through sending a shit load of spray over the top. No pounding under bridge deck though the hull did shiver in the severe pounding. She's well balanced and never lifted a hull once. It is a cruising boat after all.

'You did a great job Murray.

'Cheers Rick

'P.S. Next time I will dump the 400 kgs water and beat the racers.'

Well, what can I do but blush?

One that isn't in the catalog

Last Fandango was launched by Rick Lutjens of Kettering, Tasmania before Christmas (well, actually, before the Tassie Rock Lobster season to fit in with the crane operator!) and is presently on her maiden cruise.

She is a tad over 12.2 metres long (Rick pulled the stern scoop out a bit - what does the designer know? ;^) ) by 7 metres wide. Construction was strip-plank in Western Red Cedar with continuous 'glass faces on both sides and the layout is damn comfortable - three big double berths, an airy bridgedeck soloon, galley for real cooking, comfy cockpit and even a bath.

I heard from Rick after the first sailing weekend. Apart from a few teething issues with hose clamps and the likes, the boat did everything it should and did it so well they ended up going about twice as far as they had originally intended - down to Recherche Bay in Tasmania's deep south.

Nice one, Rick & Doreen!