Pacific Transport

Mainly Small Boats!

Boats: Looking at the'off the beach "re volution

By Peter Bedwell

Yachtsmen from all parts of the globe come to cruise in the beautiful waters of the Pacific, and there is no sign of the popularity of this activity slackening off. There is, however, another type of sailing activity to be enjoyed in the many sheltered areas of water offered by the Pacific region, and that is probably best defined as “off the beach” boating.

In recent years there has been an explosion in the number of pleasure sailboats produced, and most have been designed for off the beach op eration. The advent of fibreglass and plastic as boat-building materials has enabled manufac turers to mass-produce a wide range of designs that have sold in thou sands all over the world.

Without doubt a leader in the off the beach revolution would be the phenonemally popular Hobie 14 surf catamaran. Originally conceiv ed as a more mobile alternative to those seeking the thrills of surfing, the Hobie cat has sold in thousands, and its twin banana shaped hulls and colourful sail have become familiar sights on beaches all over the world.

Easy to rig, it only takes two adults to carry the Hobie 14 to the water’s edge for launching, and although the Hobie 14 was designed for one man operation in surf or com petitive conditions, it is equally at home two-up pottering about in sheltered water. It is the steering system that separated this popular craft from its competitors and there are many. The efficient blade type rudders are lowered with a flick of the rudder bar when leaving the beach, and automatically pop up in shallow water.

Although these exciting little boats are easy to sail, some practice is necessary to “get the hang of it” and during the initial period some capsizes are inevitable, but the

Hobie is easily righted. In the hands of the skilled operator this boat flies the stronger it blows the faster it goes literally! Although the Hobie 14 is lightweight in its con struction (225 pounds) it is immen

sely strong and can take a lot more punishment than any sane operator can dish out. The Hobie 14 varies in price according to regions but Asl 700 gives a fair indication.

The Laser is one of the most popular classes of sailing dinghy, and over 50 000 have been sold.

Originally designed as a one-class, one-man (or woman) competition boat, the Laser is especially suited to off the beach pleasure sailing for one or two. The Laser is light (30 lbs), strong, and simple to rig. Two versions are available, “Standard” or “M” rig. The difference occurs in the size of sail. The “M” rig, with a smaller sail area is ideal for the beginner or for more relaxed sail ing, whilst the “Standard” rig Laser with a larger sail is a brightly com petitive little boat for the stronger or more energetic. The Laser is available with both sail options, thereby offering the purchaser a wider range of choices as to the con-

A windsurfer in action

The Hobie Cat 14

ditions in which he or she wishes to sail. Many of the world’s top helms men use a Laser to polish up their sailing skills. They are great fun but quite demanding. Once again prices vary but Asl 300 gives an indica tion.

The latest and most revolutionary addition to hit the off the beach scene is Windsurfer. At first sight this amazing little craft appears to be just a surfboard with a hand-held sail. It’s more than that the key to the success of the Windsurfer is its unique swivelling mast. The crew of a sailing boat tack if wishing to change direction (i.e., the boom moves across the boat). The Windsurfer simply steps round the mast. It sounds difficult and no doubt takes practice, but those who have mastered the skill make it look easy. In strong wind conditions these amazing little craft have clocked speeds of up to 20 knots.

Superbly portable, you can even tow it behind a bike. It weighs a mere 40 lbs, and the owner simply carries it to the water’s edge. To watch a Windsurfer do his thing is quite an interesting ritual. They wade into shallow water with the "board”, place the mast/sail assembly flat on the surface of the water, and locate the base of the swivelling mast into a slot in the hull. The intrepid op erator stands up on the board and yanks the sail perpendicular with the use of a short line. He then grabs the boom and he’s off. In skilled hands it’s incredible how manoeuvrable this little boat is, and

although to become an adept “windsurfer” takes quite a bit of practice, those who have mastered the art could justifiably feel well satisfied with themselves. Not surprisingly the Windsurfer has become tremendously popular, and over 100 000 have been sold in America, Europe and Japan.

Perhaps its popularity its best explained by its price approximately Assoo gets you going as a windsurfer. $5OO and a bit of practice, that is. In nearly all areas where Windsurfers are sold, expert tuition is part of the deal, so it may

not be as hard as you think to master this incredible pastime.

The three designs mentioned are by no means the only ones available, but they do represent the majority of the off the beach type of sailing boats. All of them require a certain amount of skill and determination to master, but I think that is their secret. The advertising slogans of the manufacturers sum it up. Have a Hobie Day, or Only a Laser is Just like a Laser, or Windsurfers Do It Standing Up, create the impression that the owners of these very special little craft are part of an elite and unique club bound together by the mastery they have acquired in sail ing one of these three exciting but demanding types of boat.

The Laser "M" for the novice