Having destroyed two (2) Supercat 17's over the last three years (both built prior to 1986 and evolution of stronger "epoxy" resin), while pushing a third (circa 1988) to 20 knots, the opportunity to dance with a true ARC cat was made without hesitation. On Labor Day she carried 600 lbs of payload (two crew trapped out and me on stick), jumped waves, flew hulls and recorded 17.5 knots (GPS). The shared-lift daggerboard design (boards forward of the front crossbar) truly increases stability and speed (as advertised), plus provides huge real-estate across a very clean tramp.
Novice to flying catamaran kites, the addition of this downwind sail is exhilarating. After Saturday's 18.8 knot (GPS) broad-reach (non-spin) in 3 ft chop and heavy air (20 knots helicopter windsock on beach was 'stiff'), we finally got a good run Sunday on lake-like flat water in the bay. Letting out the head as Tom Haberman suggested when on a reach, She powered up and allowed my 240 lbs to ride on the wire. GPS clocked us at 14.8 knots (wind 6-8 knots) with a sail-tape 'calico' kite that even sports Gorilla Tape on the foot. This ready-to-retire chute is perfect training wheels until it's time to pull the new Tornado-cut Kite out of the bag.
Personal THANKS to Tom Haberman for answering all my probing phone calls and emails. Your unwavering help and support of all four (4) SC/ARC cats I have driven is Invaluable! Thanks too to Eric Arbogast who I continue to glean piloting tips. ARC 2101 is bringing a lot of
's to all who trap out on her 'superstructure' here in Texas!franklin VIOLA