Catalina 22 can be difficult to pass....

[Greg Stebbins]

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to borrow a J22 for a day. Natch, I jumped at the chance and had a great time charging around our little lake (I normally sail a Hunter 23). During our adventure in high pointing (would you believe 35 degrees or less off the wind-damn), we started to overtake a Catalina 22 on the windward side. We were pretty will spaced so there was no problem until we got close enough to see what it was that was hanging over the transom.. The boat was crewed by a young guy and girl. Ok, no problem except that the girl was some how lying over the transom to drag her feet in the water behind the boat. You wouldn’t believe the trouble we had overtaking that '22. No matter how much we let out the sheets, we seem to be stuck just a little a-beam and 20-30 yards off. It was a very nice little bathing suit. At one point, right after she looked up and waved/grinned at us, we experienced a rare case of the down wind boat blanketing the up wind boat (or we just headed up, I don't remember which). After that, we all waved and grinned back and decided to get out of there before we actually managed to sink the boat. Like I said, some Catalina 22’s are difficult to pass.GregH23 Faster-

 

[Mike Elmore]

ok then

Greg,Not sure what your original intent was...and don't care. This is not a flame. I'll just make 2 general points to everyone...1.As a general rule, us Catalina owners are pretty damn good looking. You could hardly find a better boat/crew to aim your binoculars at.2.I've really learned this year more than any other that the boat you have really has only a small part to do with how much fun you have sailing. I reason this because of what I see. I see a Nonsuch 30, a Beneteau 321, and several others (the boat is actually unimportant) within 5 boats of me at the marina that are uninhabited. These amount to a significant amount of change that are never moved or even stepped on. On my port side though, is an OLD Coronado 27 with a leaky deck, grassy bottom, warped boom, and all but 1 lifeline removed as they broke, but he sails the hell out of it. After work when he doesn't have at least a crew of 4 out sailing it, he has at least a crew of 4 partying it up. I ask, who gets more enjoyment out of their boat? Now...if you use it as much as possible and really love your particular boat...the right boat does make sailing more enjoyable, but it is really not the key. If you're out there having a blast on a wooden raft with your tshirt as a sail and your leg for a rudder, good for you! Maybe I'll join you sometime. =)and btw...ill be on the lookout for that C22. 8pMike ElmoreWindward HullC28 - Hull #7

 

[Greg Stebbins]

No disrespect intended.....

My sailing grounds tend to be middle-aged and racing mostly. I haven't as yet noticed an appreciable appearance difference between Catalina folks and the rest of us. As for the Catalina 22, perish the thought. That little sweetie has probably brought more people into sailing/racing than any other boat. a representative should be in a museum right next to the model T and the light bulb. Designs that make a lasting difference should be acknowledged. Could use a better traveler though.GregH23 Faster-

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

That explains it all!

That's why I can keep up with all the J boats on the river! And I thought it was my superior sailing skills - HA!LaDonna