In addition to a wide range of inflatable dinghies and kayaks, Grabner offers the Happy Cat, a catamaran that can be packed very small. To mark the company's 50th anniversary, a significantly more powerful version, the Happy Cat Star Carbon, was launched this year. We now had the opportunity to try it out on the Elbe. The ready-to-sail boat is assembled from a total of five bags in just a few moments. Alternatively, all parts should also fit into the two large 185 x 30 x 30 centimetre panniers with wheels. But then the sails would be extremely squashed. However, the Happy Cat can also be transported by plane as bulky luggage. There is an instruction video for the assembly of the 19 individual parts. Together with company boss Ewald Grabner, we have the Happy Cat Star Carbon ready to sail in 20 minutes. One to two hours should be allowed for the first assembly, says Grabner. With a little practice, however, it can be done without stress in under 30 minutes. The two 4.80 by 0.47 metre hulls are pressurised using an electric pump.
On the water, the advantage of carbon fibre instead of aluminium becomes apparent: the little Cat reacts immediately to small gusts and accelerates to eight to ten knots in just a few moments. Despite the carbon fibre profiles between the rubber hulls and the carbon mast, the construction flexes a little. In the first strong gust, the windward float lifts out of the water. This requires a little sensitivity on the schooner and rudder to keep the position constant. If there is too much pressure, the rudder and daggerboard will dive out and the cat will shoot into the wind. If there is too little pressure, the float will naturally land on the surface of the water again. However, the second gust of wind already works well and the Happy Cat Star Carbon reaches 14 knots on one hull. It's great fun and easy and intuitive to steer.
Up to four people can be on board, but the 65-kilogram catamaran reacts significantly to the load. Even with just two people, double-digit speeds are no longer possible on our test day with 8 to 15 knots of wind. Depending on the wind and the size of the crew, everything is possible between a cosy beat close to the beach or a sporty ride with plenty of weight trim to windward.
After the test run in front of the Altländer Yachtclub, the Happy Cat can be stowed away in the boot just as quickly. Thanks to the foldable attachments, nothing can break when landing on the slipway or beach.
Technical data Happy Cat Star Carbon
- Length: 4.80 m
- Width: 2.25 m
- Mast height: 6.10 m
- Sail area: 11.5 m²
- Hull material: 1100 dtex EPDM rubber
- Weight: 65 kg
- Price: 16,990 euros
