how much air does it take to make a Catalina run?

[Tom]

I'm looking to start sailing on a central Texas lake, and I want to know if the average wind that we get (5 to 6 knots, according to two years of weather data from the local yacht club's weather station) is enough to make a Catalina 16.5 go quickly.I have sailed on some 22s on the same lake, and (to my mind) they're just too big for the wind to get them going. They'll go, but they don't zip.I thought about a smaller craft (like a Sunfish or Laser), but I want to take a friend or two along and these boats are just too small. Anyway, how does a Catalina 16.5 do in 5 to 6 knots of wind? What about the 14.2 and 18? Any advice?

 

[Les]

Texas lakes

Tom,I have sailed my Catalina 27 in Austin and now here in Dallas. Reached 8.2 knots in 22 knot winds last week. Your winds in Austin sometimes gust to 60 knots. Should be plenty for you.

 

[Mike]

Average wind

Would not the average include days when there just plain isn't any wind? On those days, don't go sailing. The other days when the winds blowin' take the boat out. I started out with a 16' Neptune, and it sailed ok in 5 mile winds, but I outgrew it after a few years. I now have a C22, and if I could afford & tow something bigger I'd trade up. But getting back to your question, If you haven't bought a boat yet, I'd go for the 18' because it will take a little longer to outgrow, and should be able to take on higher winds than a 14.5. Make sure that you get reefing rigged for your boat. It'll make sailing more fun when the winds pick up.