What's the worst weather you've encountered?

[David]

I have recently acquired a 1986 C30 Tall Rig and was wondering, what is the most weather you've been exposed to while on a C30? I've seen the "A" ratings on the catalina site & just curious if anyone has ever actually had to put your boat through those type of conditions. I guess I should mention that I do know how to reef before anyone recommends that--LOL. I doubt that I'll ever see the type of conditions that call for an A rating on Galveston Bay, but it's nice to know what to expect when a little squall kicks up! Thanks!

 

[Peter Hine]

What's an A-rating?

I follow most of the Catalina forums and sites, but haven't seen this "A-rating". Where is this discussed, and what does it mean?

 

[david]

The ratings

If yo ugo to catalinayachts.com, you will see that each model has been givin a "rating" determining what type of weather each boat should be able to stand up to. I won't go into a lot of detail because they are self explanatory when you read them. Basically, an "A" rated cruiser is capable of offshore passages and wind and wave strengths of +40 knots and 13ft I believe. Check it out!

 

[Mat]

Learn to reef

I can't believe you know about the rating but don't know how to reef. Learn to reef it is not a big deal. I have had my 82 Catalina 30 in 35 knts and 10' seas. I can't say it was much fun and the boat did better then I did.

 

[Trevor]

Reads like he knows how to reef to me (nm)

nm

 

[David]

Hey Mat

If you re-read the post, I said that I DO know how to reef. The reason I threw that line in there is in reference to a recent quick quiz & the ridiculous amount of sailors who didn't or couldn't reef! Thanks for reading the thread. I'd still love to hear about what other 30 owners have endured.

 

[Mark]

35+ knots...

The day I took delivery of my 1988 C-30SR I had two days to travel 100 miles to my new marina. The forcast was for small craft advisory with 35+ knot wind and 6-8' seas. It was all of that with waves breaking over the bow on a reach then I got some surfing time when I had to change heading to a following sea. I noticed that the stearn had more than enough bouyancy to ride up the waves...towards the bottom of the wave the stearn tended to kick to the side. I contribute that to my inexperience with the boat. But I gain a lot of respect for the C-30 to be able to handle some pretty nasty conditions!