Just bought a Solo - any advice?

Hi,

I am fairly new to sailing having just completed my RYA.

I have taken a punt on a cheap Solo which I have been advised is a decent boat for a 6'2" 14st man.

Any advice for my first few trips? Is it possible to de-power it a bit whilst I find my feet?

Cheers.

Hi,
Welcome to Solo sailing....

The Class website (and Message board) are going to be really helpful for advice, but here's a few tips...

1) Set up the mast rake till you have just a bit of weather helm (centreboard fully down) then raise the centreboard a bit till neutral helm and mark this position. (boat seems to go to windward better with slightly raked board in most winds).
If overpowered to windward, raise the board more.

2) Offwind, ease the kicker Upwind it only needs to be just tight so that the boom doesn't lift when you sheet out.

3) Flat boat! Play the mainsheet (or traveller) to keep the boat flat in the gusts. Once there is significant heel, the hull steers to windward, the boat heels more, the end of the boom will hit the water when you sheet out and splash...

4) Don't sit too far back downwind. behind the centreboard case is too far back.

Where are you sailing? Local fleet will have a lot of advice!

Colin

The original number should be on the hull. Class rules say:

(a) Wooden hulls shall carry the sail number cut into the hog aft of the centreboard case in figures not less than 25 mm high. (b) GRP and FRP hulls shall have a plate permanently fixed inside the transom with the sail number, mould number and builders serial number stamped thereon

Edited by JimC - 22 Oct 15 at 2:46pm