Scarlattikvarten - Comfort on and under deck

On deck

On deck the comfort features are actually somewhat less basic. First we have the tiny cockpits, one in each hull. They steal some space from the aft bunks but together with the simple webbing back-rest they are really worth that sacrifice and the extra building time. Almost all sail controls are routed to the cockpits.

The main beam is 35 cm high and provides the crew with surprisingly good shelter. Sitting on the trampoline just behind the beam and resting your back on the highly curved deck isn't half bad. If the ride is not too wild you can have a mug of hot chocolate standing on the top-side of the beam and it stays there. Remember, cats hardly heel at all.

The 'deck' between the hulls is where the crew spends most of the time. The front part is a rather open net. Some people prefer the trampolines to be of more 'solid' fabric but I rather like the open net for the fore deck since one can hang on to it everywhere and it is very easy to tie down a sail to it. Furthermore, it does not catch waves and offers minimal air drag. Aft of the mast I have both a closer fabric—the black kind used on most beach cats—and just in front of the aft beam the open netting again. The black fabric is probably the best choice between the mast beam and aft beam on a cat like Scarlattikvarten. My open netting here is a historic relict. It is kind of cool to watch the water rush by though.

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