I have much the same question as jason s but regarding the C30. I have a 1980 Catalina 30 , in excellent condition, but wonder just how tough these boats are and at what wind and wave height should I call it quits and try and go home. I sail Lake Michigan which offers a bit of everything in terms of weather. Jim G.
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When they put the two little triangular flags
up I usually head for safe harbor, Jim. The boat can tolerate a lot more than I, a lot depends on which way you are going too. Getting beat up going to windward is only fun for so long but much easier if you can drop off a little. Someone told me once that the "official" definition of "small craft" was "Anything that would fit on the Enterprise".
up I usually head for safe harbor, Jim. The boat can tolerate a lot more than I, a lot depends on which way you are going too. Getting beat up going to windward is only fun for so long but much easier if you can drop off a little. Someone told me once that the "official" definition of "small craft" was "Anything that would fit on the Enterprise".
Tougher than you ... 
I have hull #10 (1975) I've sailed the boat in 40-45 knot winds. At something over 12 knots down wind the boat is pretty scary, it does not surf well. She tends to bury her bow and send green water over the deck to the mast. I should have shortened sail further (I was racing). In SF Bay small craft warnings are pretty normal for summer afternoons. 20-25 knots is no worry at all. The boat doesn't like chop very well but nothing breaks. Upwind she likes heavy air, shorten sail to keep heel in the 20-25 degree range. Rail down is slow. When hard aground at high tide, she lays over to about 35 degrees when the tide goes out. There is plenty of freeboard so when the tide comes back in she doesn't swamp. The 30 is a stout boat, never designed for passage-making, but she'll handle most any weather that you are likely to sail in.
I have hull #10 (1975) I've sailed the boat in 40-45 knot winds. At something over 12 knots down wind the boat is pretty scary, it does not surf well. She tends to bury her bow and send green water over the deck to the mast. I should have shortened sail further (I was racing). In SF Bay small craft warnings are pretty normal for summer afternoons. 20-25 knots is no worry at all. The boat doesn't like chop very well but nothing breaks. Upwind she likes heavy air, shorten sail to keep heel in the 20-25 degree range. Rail down is slow. When hard aground at high tide, she lays over to about 35 degrees when the tide goes out. There is plenty of freeboard so when the tide comes back in she doesn't swamp. The 30 is a stout boat, never designed for passage-making, but she'll handle most any weather that you are likely to sail in.
C30 sounds tougher than me.
Thanks Ted and MB for your replies. Sounds like the boat can stand more than I can. I note that you live in Port Moody MB. I used to live in Campbell River,then Chemainus. As I wasn't sailing in those days I never took much note of the conditions between the Island and the Mainland. Do you get much severe weather in the Straits or did I luck out every time I took the ferry ?. Jim G.
Thanks Ted and MB for your replies. Sounds like the boat can stand more than I can. I note that you live in Port Moody MB. I used to live in Campbell River,then Chemainus. As I wasn't sailing in those days I never took much note of the conditions between the Island and the Mainland. Do you get much severe weather in the Straits or did I luck out every time I took the ferry ?. Jim G.
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