Catawba Yacht Club Active Sailing Fleets
The boats and descriptions below represent all the classes on “active duty” at Catawba Yacht Club.
Melges MC Scows
Current Fleet - 10 (Club Boats - 2)
- Race with friends and family
- All ages, all sizes
- Sail with one or two
- Simple tuning
- Powerful sail plan offering maximum in maneuverability and stability
- The new open cockpit design
- Step the mast on your own
The Melges MC is one of North America’s largest, most popular one-design fleets. The scow design maximizes speed yet provides unmatched stability. There are more than 100 active fleets nationwide.
An original design by the Melges family in 1956, it is unique because you can sail single-handed or double-handed. Sailing solo is easy; taking a crew is fun!
Melges has produced a brand new style Melges MC: an open design featuring more interior cockpit room, a comfortable internal deck edge, a modern sail control layout, and visible above-deck board slots.
The CYC MC Scow fleet is the largest one design fleet at CYC.
In the photo to the right, Jan Havmoeller sails his MC to the Masters Division title at the 2023 MC Scow Nationals at Rush Creek Yacht Club, Texas.
Interested in MC sailing? Contact Ron Wright. (ron.wright53@gmail.com)
What is it like to sail a Melges MC Scow?
Sailing a Melges MC scow can offer a thrilling experience on the water. The Melges MC scow is known for its fast and responsive nature, providing sailors with speed and agility. The open design of the boat allows for plenty of room in the cockpit, providing comfort for solo sailors and those sailing with a crew.
The sail control layout is designed for ease of use, making it simple to adjust and trim the sails while sailing. The visible above-deck board slots add to the convenience and efficiency of the boat’s performance.
Sailing a Melges MC scow can be enjoyed by sailors of all ages and skill levels, making it a versatile option for recreational sailing and competitive racing.
Overall, the experience of sailing a Melges MC scow is often described as exciting and dynamic, with the boat’s design and features allowing for an enjoyable and exhilarating time on the water.
2 Wayfarers
If your requirement for a racing boat is a double hander that, in the right sailing conditions, will get up and plain and be an exhilarating ride, if you want a comfortable seating position, a deep floor for your legs, and a high boom to make tacking and gybing easy but, most notably a boat that can handle any wind conditions, a boat that is so STABLE you can stand two adults on the side-deck without the boat capsizing, a boat that you can push, sail hard and even make the odd mistake and the boat will not capsize, it will just look after you.
What is it like to sail a Wayfarer?
Sailing a Wayfarer sailboat can provide a versatile and enjoyable experience on the water. The Wayfarer is known for its stability and ease of handling, making it suitable for beginners and experienced sailors.
The boat’s design and construction allow for a comfortable and spacious cockpit, accommodating multiple crew members or carrying extra gear for longer trips. The Wayfarer’s hull shape and heavy keel provide stability, making it well-suited for cruising and family sailing as well as racing.
Sailing a Wayfarer can offer a smooth and controlled experience, with responsive steering and good upwind performance. The boat’s well-balanced nature allows for easy maneuverability and responsive handling, even in varying wind and sea conditions.
Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely cruise or engaging in competitive racing, sailing a Wayfarer can provide a sense of adventure and freedom on the water, while also offering comfort and stability for an enjoyable sailing experience.
3 Flying Scots
The Flying Scot is a 19-foot centerboard sloop for family daysailing and racing. The Flying Scot is one of the world’s oldest and largest one-design sailboat classes.
The late Sandy Douglass designed and built the boat and raced it for many years, and the Flying Scot was inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 1998.
What is it like to sail a Flying Scot?
Sailing a Flying Scot sailboat can provide a thrilling and versatile experience on the water. The Flying Scot is known for its stability, maneuverability, and ease of handling, making it suitable for racing and leisure sailing.
The boat’s design, typically made of fiberglass with a balsa core, and its fractional sloop rig with aluminum spars contribute to its solid performance and sailing characteristics. The Flying Scot is commonly raced by a crew of three, using a mainsail, jib, and spinnaker, which allows for exciting planning and fast reaching and running in strong winds.
In addition to its racing capabilities, the Flying Scot can accommodate a family of five or six for daysailing, making it a versatile and family-friendly sailboat.
Overall, sailing a Flying Scot can offer a balance of speed, stability, and accessibility, providing a thrilling experience for both competitive sailors and recreational sailors alike.
3 Hobie Catamarans
The Hobie 16 revolutionized multihull sailing. The Hobie 16 was unleashed on the Southern California beach scene in 1970, and sailing was instantly transformed.
The beach-launched Hobie 16 brought the sport to legions of speed-loving sailors. The catamaran’s lightweight, asymmetrical fiberglass hulls provide lift, and its dual-trapeze rig lets you and your crew member harness its sheer power. Now, 45 years and over 100,000 boats later, the Hobie 16 occupies a coveted spot in the Sailboat Hall of Fame and consistently delivers big-grin sailing and world-class racing. Fly a hull, and you’ll understand the global obsession.
Catawba Yacht Club also has an active Hobie Wave sailor.
What is it like sailing a Hobie 16 Catamaran?
Sailing a Hobie 16 catamaran can be an exciting and exhilarating experience. The lightweight, asymmetrical fiberglass hulls of the Hobie 16 provide lift, allowing it to glide through the water with speed and agility. The boat’s dual-trapeze rig enables sailors to harness the sheer power of the wind and navigate tight turns and maneuvers.
One important aspect of sailing a Hobie 16 is understanding how to sail as close to the wind as possible. While it is impossible to sail directly into the wind, catamarans like the Hobie 16 can efficiently sail at an angle between 35 and 50 degrees off the wind. This knowledge allows sailors to effectively utilize the boat’s capabilities and optimize their sailing performance.
The Hobie 16 is renowned and considered one of the most popular catamarans in the world. Its design and construction make it a versatile and enjoyable sailboat for both recreational sailors and competitive racers. With its maneuverability, speed, and the ability to perform a range of sailing techniques, sailing a Hobie 16 provides a thrilling experience on the water.
1 Lightning
Lightning, a nineteen-foot trailer able centerboard sloop, was originally designed by Sparkman & Stephens as an affordable family day sailor and racing boat.
She has evolved into one of the most popular and competitive one-design racing classes in the world. Awarded ISAF International Class status, the Lightning is sailed in more than thirteen countries and in the Pan American Games, and the Class provides a professionally-managed association that is among the largest in all one-design sailing.
The Lightning’s rig is simple but offers sophisticated sail-shape controls.
The hull features a unique hard chine design that combines the stability that provides sail-carrying power with flat bottom sections that promote planing.
The International Lightning Class Association protects the boat’s design and licenses custom and private builders to build boats under its administration. A list of Lightning builders is available from the ILCA upon request.
What is sailing a Lightning like?
Sailing a Lightning sailboat can be an exhilarating experience for those who enjoy racing and recreational sailing. The Lightning is an American one-design sailboat that was first built in 1938 and is known for its speed, stability, and maneuverability. The Lightning class is one of the most popular one-design racing classes in the United States.
Sailing a Lightning sailboat requires skill and experience, particularly in managing the boat in various winds and weather conditions. According to the International Lightning Class Association, sailing the Lightning sailboat requires coordination and communication between the skipper and crew, proper boat handling techniques, and sail trim1. Some sailors describe sailing the Lightning as a fun and exciting experience as it’s a responsive boat that rewards skilled sailors with speed and agility on the water.
However, sailing a Lightning sailboat can also present some challenges in certain circumstances, like when sailing in a thunderstorm with lightning. Sailors must be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their crew. Lightning protection systems on boats, such as grounding wires and lightning rods, can help reduce the risks of a lightning strike, but they are not foolproof, and sailors must take precautions such as reefing sails and staying below deck.
Overall, sailing a Lightning sailboat is an enjoyable experience that requires skill, coordination, and attention to safety precautions.
4 Sunfish (2 club boats)
The Sunfish combines easy rigging and manageability for a comfortable and hassle-free sailing experience. This is the sailboat loved by all.
Designed in 1952 as the ultimate beach craft, the Sunfish sailboat is still a favorite of all ages. This maintenance free boat holds its resale value thanks to its robust construction, highlighted by hard chines and a flat underbody.
The Sunfish can be stored almost anywhere and is a snap to car-top, making it a popular international class and easy to transport to your favorite beach for family fun.
What is it like to sail a Sunfish?
Sailing a Sunfish sailboat provides an exciting and enjoyable experience on the water. The Sunfish is a small, single-handed sailboat known for its simplicity, maneuverability, and versatility. Here’s what it’s like to sail a Sunfish sailboat:
Easy to Handle: The Sunfish is designed to be easily handled by one person. Its lightweight hull and simple rigging make it a user-friendly boat, especially for beginners. Setting up the sail and controlling the boat can be quickly mastered, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free sailing experience.
Responsiveness: The Sunfish’s relatively small size and responsive design make it highly maneuverable. It quickly responds to the wind and the sailor’s inputs, allowing for exciting and responsive sailing experiences. Whether you’re cruising or racing, the Sunfish provides a sense of control and engagement on the water.
Versatile Performance: The Sunfish is suitable for various sailing conditions, from light winds to moderate breezes. Its design enables it to handle different wind strengths, ensuring an enjoyable experience for sailors of all skill levels. The boat’s sturdy construction and stability make it capable of handling choppy waters and gusty conditions.
Fun and Adrenaline: Sailing a Sunfish sailboat offers a sense of liberation and connection with nature. The boat’s simple yet effective design allows you to experience the elements up close and feel the thrill of the wind and water around you. Whether you’re leisurely sailing or in a friendly race, the excitement and adrenaline of sailing a Sunfish make it a captivating experience.
Community: The Sunfish has a large and supportive sailing community. This means there are opportunities to connect with other Sunfish sailors, participate in regattas, and share knowledge and experiences. The community provides a fantastic platform for learning, networking, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow sailors.
In summary, sailing a Sunfish sailboat offers a delightful and engaging experience. Its ease of use, responsiveness, versatility, and vibrant community make it an appealing choice for sailors looking for a fun and fulfilling time on the water.
2 Capri 22
Known for its sweet sailing performance in nearly all conditions, the Catalina Capri 22 has been winning sailors since it’s introduction.
The Capri 22 is more comfortable, safer at sea and easier to maintain than any boat in it’s class. The striking deck profile is flared across the stern and has wider cockpit curves for crew comfort during and after sailing.
Under the full reclining length seats is a new storage locker and separate battery locker. A complete racing package is available, including: symmetrical spinnaker, sheets, pole and backstay tension adjuster. The enclosable head and available galley module make the Capri 22 suitable for extended daysailing or weekending.
In the photo on the right, CYC’s Robert Wilson skippers Elixer, his Capri 22.
What is it like to sail a Capri 22?
Sailing a Capri 22 sailboat offers an enjoyable and versatile experience on the water. The Capri 22, produced by Catalina Yachts, is known for its responsiveness, stability, and ease of handling.
One of the standout qualities of the Capri 22 is its performance. With its well-balanced design and sleek hull shape, the Capri 22 excels in varying wind conditions, providing a thrilling and exhilarating sailing experience. Whether you are looking for a leisurely cruise or competitive racing, the Capri 22 can deliver a fun and engaging sailing adventure.
The Capri 22 is also praised for its user-friendly features. The boat’s cockpit is designed for comfort and accessibility, allowing easy movement and efficient sail handling. Additionally, the Capri 22’s simple and straightforward rigging setup makes it suitable for sailors of all skill levels, including beginners.
Furthermore, the Capri 22 has an active community and dedicated forums where owners can exchange experiences, tips, and advice. These resources can provide valuable insights and knowledge about sailing the Capri 22, further enriching the overall sailing experience.
In summary, sailing a Capri 22 sailboat offers a blend of performance, ease of handling, and a strong community, creating an enjoyable and rewarding experience on the water.
4 Catalina 22
The Catalina 22 is one of the most popular trailerable pocket cruisers in America.
Finding good used boats can be a challenge – they are that popular.
The swing keel makes it totally trailerable and able to go into shallow waters.
CYC sailors prefer marina docking for the four boats at our club. The cabin is large enough for weekending. In the picture to the right, CYC’s legendary Jim Tapkas (1950-2023) skippers his Catalina 22 on the lake.
What is it like to sail a Catalina 22?
Sailing a Catalina 22 sailboat offers a pleasurable and versatile experience on the water. The Catalina 22, designed by Frank Butler in 1969, is known for its compact size, user-friendly characteristics, and family-friendly features.
With its spacious cockpit and cabin, the Catalina 22 provides a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience for both day trips and overnight stays. The boat’s well-thought-out design includes amenities like a galley, berths, and a marine head, enhancing the cruising capabilities and making it suitable for weekend getaways.
In terms of sail handling, the Catalina 22 is known for its manageable rigging and responsive performance. The boat’s moderate rigging and weight contribute to its stability and ease of sailing, allowing both experienced and novice sailors to handle it with confidence. The Catalina 22 performs well in various wind conditions and can be sailed single-handed or with a small crew.
Furthermore, the Catalina 22 has an active community and a dedicated national association that organizes events and supports owners with resources and information. This community provides opportunities to connect with other sailors, share experiences, and participate in races or regattas.
In summary, sailing a Catalina 22 sailboat offers a delightful combination of comfort, performance, and versatility, making it an enjoyable choice for both day sailing and overnight cruising experiences.
3 Ensign 22
The Ensign is the largest class of full keel sailboats in North America, with over 2000 boats manufactured since 1962. Designed by Carl Alberg, its sustained popularity is due to very solid and durable construction, and a design that lends itself equally and admirably to comfortable family cruising, enjoyable day sailing, and close, strategic, tactical racing.
The Ensign has a large cockpit that easily seats four. The traveler is located on the rear deck which further opens up the cockpit. The cuddy cabin is really only practical for gear storage.
The weight and full keel make this boat very manageable in breeze. In the photo on the right, CYC’s Joanne Shields hikes out on an Ensign during a club race.
What is it like to sail an Ensign 22?
Sailing an Ensign sailboat can offer a secure and enjoyable experience on the water. The Ensign, also known as the Pearson Ensign or Ensign 22, is a trailerable sailboat designed as a one-design racer and day sailer. Its full-keel design provides stability and a secure ride, making it suitable for various sailing conditions. With a draft of three feet, the Ensign is ideal for navigating shallower waters such as bays and lakes.
When sailing an Ensign, it is important to consider sail trimming and finding the right balance for speed, velocity made good (VMG), and pointing. These trim adjustments can optimize performance based on the conditions, such as using power trim at the start or after tacking, and adjusting the genoa to clear the air.
Owning an Ensign sailboat can also provide opportunities for club racing and day sailing, both for fun and potentially for overnight trips. The Ensign’s versatility and stability make it a popular choice for sailors looking for a reliable and enjoyable sailboat.
2 Soling
The Soling was designed as a day racer/sailer (without any compromising cruising accommodations) by Jan Linge and appeared as a National Class in Norway in 1965.
In 1968 after a series of trials, the ISAF selected the Soling (over several designs created for the occasion) to be the Olympic Three-Men Keelboat.
Despite the subsequent appearance of vast numbers and varieties of similarly sized keelboats, its superiority continued to be recognized by its selection for every Olympics from 1972 until the Australian Olympics in the year 2000.
In the photo on the right, CYC’s Joe Brase prepares to race his Soling in the CYC Memorial Day Pursuit Race.
What is it like to sail a Soling?
Sailing a Soling sailboat offers an exciting and challenging experience on the water. The Soling is an 8.2-meter monohull sailboat designed by Jan Linge and built by various manufacturers. This Olympic class keelboat is known for its competitive nature and demanding sailing characteristics.
The Soling sailboat requires a skilled crew due to its powerful rig and responsive handling. Its large sail area and high aspect ratio provide excellent upwind performance and responsiveness to sail trim adjustments. The boat’s three-person crew, which includes a helmsman and two crew members, must work together effectively to optimize boat speed and maneuverability in different wind conditions. The Soling’s design also makes it suitable for racing, and it has a long history as an Olympic sailing class.
Sailing a Soling demands physical strength, as crew members need to control the boat’s powerful rigging. Maneuvering the boat requires precise coordination, especially during tacks and gybes. The Soling’s stability and keel design allow it to handle choppy waters and strong winds, giving sailors the thrill of high-performance sailing.
Additionally, the Soling has an active community of sailors who participate in local and international regattas and championships. This community not only provides opportunities for competitive sailing but also fosters camaraderie among Soling enthusiasts, offering a chance to connect with fellow sailors and learn from their experiences.
In summary, sailing a Soling sailboat is an exhilarating experience that requires skill, teamwork, and physical agility. Its demanding nature and competitive history make it a favored choice for those seeking a challenging and rewarding sailing adventure.
1 Ideal 18
The Ideal 18 keelboat was designed by Bruce Kirby as a strict one-design, accessible to sailors of all ages, weights, skill levels, and competitive backgrounds.
The emphasis is on strategy, tactical skills, and boat handling, rather than tuning or special rigging. The boat has a self-tacking jib. Downwind speed is significantly enhanced with the use of the boats spinnaker.
In the photo on the right, CYC’s Jill Zakerski and Phil Keenan race Phil’s Ideal 18 in the club Portsmouth Championship.
What is it like to sail an Ideal 18?
Stability and Confidence: The Ideal 18 is known for its stability, which can inspire confidence in sailors1. Its design and features aim to create a stable platform that does not require hiking, making it easier to sail1. This can be particularly appealing to beginners or those looking for a more relaxed sailing experience.
User-Friendly Design: The Ideal 18 is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. It emphasizes strategy, tactical skills, and boat handling rather than tuning or special rigging1. This user-friendly design makes it accessible to sailors of various skill levels and backgrounds.
Performance and Versatility: While emphasizing simplicity and accessibility, the Ideal 18 offers a rewarding sailing experience. It is a versatile boat suitable for both racing and day sailing purposes. It can sail in a range of wind conditions and provides a good balance between performance and stability.
Ideal for Two People: The Ideal 18 is typically crewed by two people, making it a great platform for sailing with a partner or teaching others to sail. The teamwork required to handle the boat can foster coordination and communication skills.
Community and Support: Being a one-design class, the Ideal 18 has an active community of sailors who participate in events and races. This can provide opportunities for camaraderie, sharing knowledge, and learning experiences from fellow Ideal 18 sailors.
1 Renken 18
The Renken 18 is a sloop rigged fiberglass daysailer manufactured by Renken (USA). It is 17.5 feet long and has a 6.33 foot beam. It is a fixed keel boat with a 2 foot draft. Brian Amato is the designer and it was first manufactured in 1977.
What is it like to sail a Renken 18?
User-Friendliness: The Renken 18 was primarily designed as a cruising sailboat, which suggests that it may provide a comfortable and straightforward sailing experience. Its features and rigging are likely geared towards ease of use, making it accessible for sailors of various skill levels1.
Handling and Responsiveness: While specific information about handling characteristics is limited, as with most monohull sailboats, the Renken 18 is likely responsive to wind and rudder inputs. It may provide a sense of control and stability, allowing sailors to fine-tune their sailing abilities while enjoying the experience.
Versatility: Depending on its rigging and sail plan, the Renken 18 may be suitable for various sailing conditions and environments. It may handle different wind strengths and directions, providing versatility for coastal cruising or even light racing.
