light air designs

[Guest, Don]

I have been looking at sailing catamaran plans. I was wondering if there are problems(dangers) with a boat designed mainly for light air. Thanks for any help.


Don

[Guest, Kevin]

I've been threre, done that! A boat designed for light air has a relatively large sail area and will be dangerously over powered in heavy weather, unless sails can be reefed or removed. I imagine you're talking about a day sailer. Other considerations such as reserve buoyancy at the bows strength of members may also be less than required for heavy weather. I've sailed off shore with a day sailer, the wind picked up covering the sea with 'white horses' and spray. The sail back to the beach was a blur of activity. I had constant spray over the boat from the bow and even with all our weight on the stern expected to capsize any moment. It was very exciting but also dangerous.