What's next for me?

I am a member of southwold sc which has a fleet of 6 picos, 3 laser 2000s and a 420. My family of 4 have been sailing for two years. We already own a leader, which I crew in for my dad. I feel that I have grown out of the picos though and would like something faster and more thrilling. Some of the members of my club own lasers and the club are looking to get a couple but being young and only 40 ish kg, they are two much for me, we (my family) are looking into getting a topper for whoever wants to sail single handed at any time. Our leader though, is only big enough for me, my dad and occasionally my sister. My mum does not fit in. We were thinking about putting a topper on top of the car and the leader being towed, would that be possible. Anyway I would like to hear what you think.

Thanks, what do you recommend for me to proggress into from the picos, I don't think a topper is much faster.

If you want to travel and get into the serious racing side the Topper is a good choice because there is so much coaching and competition available. I like it better than the Laser 4.7, which to my mind is a tiny rig on a great big boat. If that isn't your enthusiasm, and there's no reason why it should be then the choice is rather wider.

There's a lot to be said for just getting a ride in as many different types of boats as you can and seeing what appeals to you. After all you want a boat you like, not the boat the most convincing dodgy used care salesman on the forum likes!

Ok, my friend has a topper, I'll have to try it out. As for the 4.7, It is apparently a bit faster. Would it mean I could progress onto the bigger sail as I get older?

Yes -- the 4.7, radial, and full rig are only different in the bottom mast part (more bend in the smaller rigs) and the sail. Everything else is the same.