tizer Posted August 20, 2007 Report Share Posted August 20, 2007 So is there a maximum wind strength that a Maricat 4.3 can handle? I've been out in 15 knots winds before and it seemed like it could take easily take more The reason I ask is because I believe I saw a Hobiecat 14 get its sail ripped off the mast last week in 20-25 knot winds... I didn't stop for details - but wouldn't want it to happen to my Maricat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QB2 Posted August 20, 2007 Report Share Posted August 20, 2007 As long as you don't let the jib or main flog themselves for any undue length of time you can handle 30+ knots with higher gusts. Seabreezes are often 25 to 35 plus when they kick in Provided you play your mainsheet so that you depower the sail but don't let it flog, there shouldn't be any damage or severe wear to the sail across a wide wind range... Letting sails flap around does major damage and weakens them dramatically. The other thing to remember is that any weakness, torn stitching, chafe, corrosion or undue wear in a sail and its fittings will come under more pressure and tension when the wind increases and the degraded areas usually let go first. I often used to sail on lake macquarie when it would be howling with whitecaps everywhere and felt safe and exhilarated when out on trapeze or hiking out. Gusts ripping through are handled by keeping a hand on the mainsheet ready to ease off or as a last resort let go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryK1200LT Posted August 20, 2007 Report Share Posted August 20, 2007 Hi Tizer, I've found 15-20 knot winds are about ideal for exciting sailing on my Maricat. 20 knots will generate plenty of boat speed, and plenty of thrills. Granted the speed and thrills do incrementaly increase with the extra wind speed, particularly when your talking 20 + knots. Performing a jibe in 25-30 knots of breeze can get very exciting, and very wet!! LOL Cheers Barry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darcy1945 Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 If you are going out in a blow make sure that you rake the mast to max, mari's are notorious for pitchpoling with stock mast settings (not new boats) and leave the jib in the sailbox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warbird Posted August 23, 2007 Report Share Posted August 23, 2007 Must have been a fagged out bit of sailcloth. I go out in 25/30 a lot with any of my 14s and if it is in good condition it should handle it easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Maricat is a great heavy weather cat. In 1980 I raced a 4.3 in the Hoek van Holland-Scheveningen & Return-approx 26nm along the Dutch coast-started in 15-20knots,finished in 35-40--250 starters 31 finished.It was absolute carnage-over 50 boats abandoned[crews rescued by Dutch Navy],one H16 crew tragically lost,broken boats strewn along the beach for miles.I won the single handed division[i think the only one man boat to finish].Also did the 100klm Ronde Texel[Holland] on Maricat 4.3 409 starters from H14s,Darts.Hydras etc to Tornado,Supercat etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QB2 Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 How was the HVHS sailed ie sausage,triangle ?? how long did it and the texel take? How did you handle the strongest winds? depowering/being conservative to stay upright or aggressively to get boat speed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 It is a there & back passage race.HVH to Scheveningen approx.12nm shy run 15knots at start 20 at turn.10nm long stb/short port tacking back the coast to Scravenzander,30-40 knots.Out to sea 3nm on compass heading[hand held]in big seas & rain to find a buoy [tight reach],then 2nm dead square to finish off Hoek van Holland in really big seas[drove it staight up the beach & fell off.] Feathered upwind & tight reaching but can't do that off the breeze.Experience combined with terror is the answer.Dont remember how long either race took. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taffy Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Thank goodness most of the catamarans can handle good breezes,otherwise over here in WA we would have very little sailing. Check the seabreeze site for Perth this week, About 5 hours all week when the wind is less than 10knts the rest anything up to 30knts.I have found out since moving here why sailors like Colin handle the heavy stuff so well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QB2 Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 well said, experience and when that runs out sheer terror..like pitchpoling a looong way out and then having to swim like crazy after the cat and then holding on until you get the energy to clamber on a bow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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