This group is intended for owners of Fastback catamarans and those interested in these cats.

It gives the opportunity to share photos, stories, information and potential musters or cruises of Fastbacks.

Fastback catamarans are designed and built by John Gross of Brisbane (ably assisted by wife Judy). To date, there have been about 38 Fastbacks built - six Fastback 30's (15-foot beam); seven Fastback 30R's (with 16-foot beam); twelve Fastback 32's (extended and with factory hardtops); six 33's (extended again, and with a lockable saloon); and eight Fastback 43's.

The Fastbacks are a line descended from "Valhalla", a 32-foot cat from about 1976, and Ramjet, the model that spawned the Fastback 43. John has also built "Pi" - a proa based on the Fastback 32, and an awesome black racing cat called "Fastback Blackbird". This 43-foot plywood design performed very well in the Brisbane-Gladstone races, despite teething "bugs".

John is an engineer of the old school, designing good-looking catamarans which are cruising boats with good speed potential. The 32/33-footers are renowned for excellent light-wind performance especially. They are strong, reliable boats, with attention to keeping weight low.

The engineering qualities of John are proven by his designing, building and flying the first privately built jet plane in Australia - a three-quarter scale Grumman Panther.

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While every intention is to provide factual information on this site, all readers should be aware that this information should not be relied upon and that professional advice should be sought.