Fast release hooks on trapeze harnesses is an important thing. My crew got a lungful of water after a crash in big winds where he went under after I dropped off the boat at speed after loosing my legs on a fast upwind plane on a n L4K. He was ok initially but soon after had an infection and recovered but secondary drowning is a real thing. On a second note the first time I sailed a cat it was a hobie 14 cat and it was broken when we arrived and my Dad scavenged the parts from another couple that were there and we went out in it. The next day I turned up and went out in it on my own. At this point I'd sailed toppers, Mirrors and a Laser 4.7 once. They gave me this banana catamaran. to sail. I had never helmed a cat before but I was competent helm. I headed out getting a feel for it. I'd been told not to let it heel too much . Spill sail and go faster on the beats. VMG is better. I got a point I'd like to go on a reach. (Across the wind - Fastest point of sailing.) I lined the cat up and sheeted in and started my run. AS I got faster the cat tipped a bit more so I got out a bit more. The cat was flying along but it was starting to pass the 45 degree mark and I was getting nervous. After about 45 degrees the lower hull dug in and I was under water . The catamaran Pitchpoled. That's My experience of fast solo cats. I've sailed 2 man cats like dart 18s and had a great time but solo cats are scary. Cats are crazy fast right up until the drag on the wet hull is too much then you crash at 30 knots. Great fun until everyone dies. An L4K on a 3 sail reach in F5-6 waves is probably as dangerous and certainly as exciting. Luv and Peace.
oooh that skiff method is pretty slick! Great video. Also, "safe as houses"?!🤣 I've never heard that one before. But apparently the English have been using it since the early 1800's! I'm totally stealing it.
Two more things: Always wear shoes, and always assure, that the centreboard is well fixed in its fully extended position before rightening the boat. Otherwise you could guillotine your fingers or toes.
They have their place, as does every type of boat and every type of rig (although for some their place is in a museum...junk rig I'm looking at you ;-P )
it's never done intentionally (unless you're practicing recovery) These are basically an over-powered dinghy. [small boat big sail plan]. The will likely capsize even in a semi- poorly executed maneuver. There is no keel that self-rights the boat.
