Update

My boat is now sailing and it's qualities are far from those advertised. This is partly because many important details were abandoned by the scammer. Speaking of him, weeks ago I found that his website is quoting part of the last paragraph of one message I wrote. As usual, the scammer took the paragraph out of context in such a manner that it would make readers think that I support him, when I definitely do not.

As you will see, my text is very different from the short quote he extracted:

"This is to send a word of caution with regards to Mr. Aldis Eglajs.

My Catri 27 plans remain incomplete three years after payment. I already had to purchase or do myself many of the drawings and specs. Also, for more then one year he failed to complete a Catri kit shipped to Latvia, causing various problems to the owner, who decided to finish it elsewhere. These are facts.

Then there is data received from reliable sources. It seems that no shipyard or customer ever received a complete set of Catri plans. From about nine shipyards that tried to build Catris, it seems that all those in direct partnership with Mr. Eglajs went bankrupt – including the one featured in last issue’s photos. To the best of my knowledge, there are three shipyards able to build Catris today and none is in direct partnership with the designer or has any agreement with him to sell boats.

In light of these facts and information, the article he wrote to MM’s last issue is at least questionable. For those interested in the Catri, the most relevant points are that Mr. Eglajs has an unsatisfactory business reputation, is not building boats and, as per my own experience, does not deliver plans to satisfaction. At your request, I can send a detailed analysis of the article’s flaws and a list of information sources.

Lastly, I was told of problems down to police level involving Mr. Eglajs. I am curious to know all about it. May I suggest an independent research followed by your own article?

Please note that I remain a Catri fan. The concept is outstanding and, according to all those who sailed one, it is a great boat to have. Sadly, everything indicates that the worse way to acquire a Catri is from or through Mr. Eglajs.

Luiz Schechter"