Cat 27,She is a easy boat to sail, no rocket science, She is very, very forgiving boat, just remember there are lots of changes and up grades made by previous owners! some are good some are not, we have a older 27 and came from power to sail, previous sailing experience the Mrs had live aboard Caribbean experience on a large sail yacht, I had basic Sunfish as a junior sailor .
We took all the refresher courses on sail trim on cruiser's classes threw a local club and it relay helped ,as we were able to grab all the wind the old girl needed to get to hull speed!
One important thing not sure how old your Catalina is but have All THE STANDING RIGGING,CHAIN PLATES & BULK HEAD'S,EYE BOLTS AND ASSOCIATED HARDWARE looked over by a person that knows the nuances of these older boats (CATALINA'S) and see that the proper upgrades have been made prior to pushing this boat,All This would of been done at a pre purchase survey.
That said practice make's perfect! run drill's, Learn to reef soon reef often! lastly have fun as said you tube has many great tips on sailing but none as much as doing it hands on!,
I am glad you get out with dock neighbors on your boat, but we always have a standing order to volunteer to crew if larger boat on dock need crew even though the configurations may be some what different it all boils down to the same thing!
Have fun and enjoy the 2014 sailing season!
