Dart 15 Forums

Dear All

I am considering getting back into sailing after many years and I have always wanted a cat. I have looked around and narrowed it down to the Dart Cats as I want to start off gently and not purchase something that will be too much for a novice. I am considering the Dart 15 and 18. I will mostly be sailing single handed but on the odd occasion I will have a crew along for the ride.

The only issue I have is that I used to play Rugby and I am 6 foot 5 Tall and weighing in at about 18 Stone. ( it is gradually coming down but will never go below 16 stone) I know that this is very heavy for a Cat and that I will not be at the front of the fleet unless it is blowing Force 8. Which Cat would suit me better the 15 or the 18?

Thanks

Chris Page

Hi Chris

To be "at the front of the fleet" you are probably too big for both .

If however you are looking to have fun in a boat you can easily handle in a fleet of sailors of all sizes and abilities, with an active enthusiastic class association to give you support and advice.

Then go for a 15 !

Simon

Hi Chris,

I'm 6'3" and nearly 16 stone. In the light winds at Brightlingsea this year, I scored a 7th, showing that weight isn't a prohibitve handicap. This result is also borne out by club racing results. The 15 would be a very good choice and think of the fun you'll have when the wind does blow! Furthermore, 'Gentlemen of generous proportions' get their own sub-category/prize at the nationals, so all to race for.

I can't comment on sailing an 18 single handedly, so I'll leave that to 18 sailors, but I would ask the following (in this order)

Is there a 15 fleet where you sail - if yes, then go for this
Is there an 18 fleet where you sail - if yes, get them to sell their boats, buy 15's and see above
Do you have experience of/enjoy trapezing ? optional on the 15 but probably mandatory on the 18.
Are you a racer or cruiser, because handicap racing can be a bore. Try and find a fleet to race in if you can.

All the best
Gary

Thanks For the replies, I am situated not to far from Grafham and I understand they have a good 15 fleet there, I would be looking to get a boat in the spring of next year and start sailing then. It osounds as though the 15 fleet is more active than the 18 fleet?