How does motorsailing work?

[grumpy_o_g]

Cats don't point to windward very well....

Not strictly true though - it's just that most cat's are built with very shallow low aspect fixed keels to reduce the risk of them tripping on the keel when over-canvassed on the wind. Also allows them to take the ground well and it's cheaper of course. Catanas, Gunboats, Outremers, etc. with their high aspect ratio centreboards go to windward as well as most monohulls, in fact possibly better than most. Keeping the weight down must be an absolute killer for long term cruising or liveaboard though.

 

[AndieMac]

Not strictly true though - it's just that most cat's are built with very shallow low aspect fixed keels to reduce the risk of them tripping on the keel when over-canvassed on the wind. Also allows them to take the ground well and it's cheaper of course. Catanas, Gunboats, Outremers, etc. with their high aspect ratio centreboards go to windward as well as most monohulls, in fact possibly better than most. Keeping the weight down must be an absolute killer for long term cruising or liveaboard though.

As long as you keep all the performance yachts together .
The average punter is not going to be that interested in the hassle of positioning centreboards and compromising on cabin space to point a bit higher.

The typical high volume cruising cat, with aesthetically lowered topsides causing minimal bridge-deck clearance combined with average excessive weight, is no windward performer.