Streaker v Solo V Lightning

A question regarding single handed dinghy's.

I am 50 and new to sailing.  Just about to take my RYA Level 2.  I have been sailing a Pico on our local reservoir but find this so uncomfortable having a hip problem.  It's got to be better than that!!  I'm sure the Pico was designed by the devil?  I have always been a competitive fell runner and squash player but hip issues have put a stop to that.

I need something I can get my legs into but being a competitive person I want something I can drop my legs into and still get involved with club racing and perhaps events on the sea.  I know some people will say 'a Laser is the boat'.  Not sure that in terms of my hip I might have the same issues with a Laser as a Pico, if not quite so bad.

I have spotted the Streaker/ Solo/ Lightning which look more comfortable than a Laser but still offer good racing opportunity.

I am 5'10 and 75kg.

Any recommendations on the above, advantages and disadvantages and also how the opportunities fair to race against others in the same class.

Thanks.

Check out the local clubs, and the class association websites.

If you can find a club with any of the dinghies you shortlist, pop in and (after racing, or during lunch break) talk to the helms and ask if you could try one.

Mostly, you'll have a result.

My club has Solos and Streakers - the Streaker is lighter so easier to retrieve from the water, the Solo has a deeper hull and is more comfy - though possibly more expensive.

S/h wooden versions are less expensive than frp, but will require a bit more tlc.

Always try a s/h boat on the water, if nothing else, it confirms that all the bits are there!

Which part of the country are you?

Colin
(Edit to complete name - duh)

Edited by ColPrice2002 - 10 Sep 17 at 9:56am

Pico is a tiny think compared to a Laser or the others. Streaker is small too but a 6ft mate has just bought one and finds it comfy enough. Also consider the Supernova if you'll be sailing on a lake but my choice for sailing on big lakes or open water would be the Blaze. I've had one for just under a year now and it may just be the best boat I've ever owned (and I've had a few over the years. I'm 64, 5'7" and 76kg with 50+ years sailing/racing experience. Your height and weight combined with your fitness should make you competitive in any of the boats mentioned once you get a little experience. Is your reservoir a club or sailing centre? If it's a club what do they sail there?

Thanks for the replies so far.  I am from Oldham and sail on Dovestones Reservoir.  Not the largest of waters and very blustery.  Quite a few Lasers in the club and the larger Flying 15's - tend to be the main boats out racing.

I also don't mind wood.  I used to be a carpenter so something about a wooden boat appeals to be (Might change my mind when it comes to owning one).  I don't want to spend a fortune at this stage.  Certainly won't be buying a new boat.

I think I would struggle on an R2Aero looking at how flat they are - look great fun though.  The thing is probably to try a few boats out.  I think we have a Streaker and a Solo at the club.  Will see if I can get a demo sail.

The Streaker and the Lightning 368 are probably more comparable than the Solo (in terms of hull weight and sail size).  I really do like the look of the Solo but my weight at 75kg might be more suited to the the two lighter boats.  The Solo also seems a lot deeper in comparison to the other two but all look ok to give ample comfort.  Rupert I would love to take up your offer with the Lightning as soon as my Level 2 is completed.  Was just cancelled this weekend unfortunately.  Waiting for a new date.

So for those familiar with the boats;

If the Solo was out of the equation how do the Streaker and the Lightning 368 stack up against each other?  Do the have a similar fleet and is there a good opportunity for racing around the country?

Anything I should be looking for in terms of upgrades with sails, boom, mast etc?