[quote=pewit]After a lifetime of sailing and racing everything from a Laser to Maxi I bought my first Wētā in 2013 because I wanted something I could sail solo (or with friends), that was easy to rig, wasn't hard work, was fun to sail and fast.
I decided on a Weta after seeing this video of 2 guys sailing a Weta [url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AIisNuG7CI]up a river in Colorado for 40 miles[/url] with the kite up in 35 knots of wind!
I'm now 64 with back issues but still Weta sailing as there's not much effort involved (no hiking - you just sit on the tramp or floats) and in 2017 I was one of 50 Wetas at the World Masters Games in Auckland where we had an 85yo sailing with us as well as 3 Paralympic sailors (with no movement below the waist).
I have friends who have come to Wētā sailing from multihulls and while the Weta isn't as quick as a Hobie 16 (for example) it's more forgiving and stable than most and you can take it out in strong winds and not worry about being able to right it if you capsize (I've raced in winds over 30 knots, capsized and righted it solo without assistance - see recovery video [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xXm-x3OgD0]here[/url]).
Performance is closer to a skiff than a catamaran with high drag at slow speeds rather than the more linear speed curve of a cat but it starts planing at around 8-10 knots of wind and will go 10-12 knots upwind and up to 20 downwind but without being scary - although the most I've managed is 18.4 knots.
It also tacks like a skiff so you can take advantage of shifts and the recent addition of a self-tacking jib and twin tiller extensions kit allow for "hands-free" tacks and gybes so you can concentrate on crossing the boat - especially if you have mobility issues.
In light winds you can use the gennaker as a code-zero to keep moving, although you can't point very high, and I keep a telescopic paddle below deck if becalmed and find it's comfortable to paddle sitting on the edge of the tramp. But there are also [url=https://www.wetaforum.com/forums/topic/outboard-motors-and-brackets/]electric and gas powered motors[/url] available which can be added to the boat.
Your nearest dealer for a demo sail is Richard Kiczek at [url=starboardtacksailboats.com]Starboard Tack Sailboats[/url] in Fort Walton Beach
Ph: 850-797-7390 richard@starboardtacksailboats.com and I notice he has a new boat listed at $17.8 K
Life's Better with a Wētā!<!-- editby --><em>Edited by pewit on Sep 14, 2022 - 12:33 AM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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