On Sat, 03 Sep 2005 22:35:19 GMT, "Denis Marier"
wrote:

I wonder if it does make a difference to have a Catalina 30 with a tall or
regular mast.
Is the tall mast suited for coastal cruising?

Sure, it makes a difference in sail area, center of effort and how
much grunting happens at launch time G.

All things being equal, a taller rig with an accompanying slight
change in ballast will allow better light air performance (which could
mean lake or coastal depending on your location), and will put more
sail (marginally) in that air which doesn't want to come down to deck
level, which I associate with sailing close to warmed land/cities in
the summer months.

If you intend to race, the taller rig is definitely desirable. If you
intend to cruise, not so much.

R.