CleverNickname Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Can anyone tell me if a sloop rig boat can be sailed as cat rig. Is it simply a matter of leaving the jib in the sail box? I have heard that the mast needs to be changed to convert from sloop to cat. The reason I ask is that I am looking to purchase a taipan and want to sail it in both configurations. Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam257 Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Hi Brad, Yes in simple terms you can simply leave the jib off and go sailing. the boat will still preform. There are a lot more changes that can be made to the boat if you start to sail the boat in ether configeration. Pre bend, barber huller, sail fulness ect. I regulary sail with a crew and the boat reflect that. but when Mel can't make it I still have a ball sailing cat rig. In saying all of that i lent my boat for the NSW states as a cat and it came in second place with on changes. Sam AUS257 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleverNickname Posted April 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 So it sounds like you can use the same mast for either configuration. Can I assume then, that the cat sailors have a dedicated mast to optimise performance for cat rig competition? Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam257 Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Hi Brad, Yes some of the older cats use the old A-class ally section, however these mast are no longer aloud to be sold under a new rule from this years AGM, So boats that currently have the "lighter Mast" can stil use them but once they break or are damaged the rig has to be replased with the standard section. (also there is worry the lighter section wont stand up against the new big head sail) Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleverNickname Posted April 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Hi Sam, Thanks for your replies. Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_taipan117 Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 I don't believe the lighter cat rig masts are still available in any case. The "sloop" mast has been proven to be able to handle a kite, if you ever decide to add one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleverNickname Posted April 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 I am in the process of buying a Taipan and someone spooked me today saying they are "flighty" and need two masts if I want to alternate between cat and sloop rigged. Just looking for some other opinions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam257 Posted April 24, 2008 Report Share Posted April 24, 2008 Hi Brad, I think you have miss taken my post, you do not need to have a two diffrent rigs to sail the boat in cat or sloop. To clarify what I said was you can sail the boat as a sloop/cat with minimal change. once you get more competitive you will prob set the boat up to favor ether sloop or cat. If you are in NSW, I will be sailing at the speers point reggatta on friday (unless the weather is crapy) you are more then welcome to come down and look at my boat and discuss any questions you may have, or call me 0414 934 115 Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleverNickname Posted April 24, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2008 I am in Brisbane and will probably drop into Humpybong which is hosting the QLD state titles this weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannyj Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 I have a Taipan and have the sloop mast you will be fine just go and have fun.you will find with the new wide top mainsail the lighter mast will soon be obsolete as they wont be able to carry the new sail plan as well as the old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleverNickname Posted June 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Thanks for the advice. I finally had a chance to wet the new boat (# 085) on the weekend in Moreton Bay. I was blown away by this awesome cat. I started off sailing cat rigged, then a mate joined me for some sloop action. I can see that I have a lot to learn about mastering the potential of the Taipan. For example I am still getting used to the manouverability and sensitive steering. I've been reading the tips 'n tricks on the association website, but there is no substitute for getting out on the water and getting the feel of the boat. I'm going to get in some practice and hopefully head south for the nationals in January. I'm excited! Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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