Singlehanded choice for me?

   I currently race a Wayfarer at Hayling Island SC and am considering converting to a singlehander due to lack of crew. I am 56, 1.92m tall and weigh 100kg.
Budget £4-5k
The choices seem to be Solo, Phantom, Finn or RS100
Great fleet of Solos at HISC, but am I too large?
No Phantoms anywhere locally, but I used to have a wooden one and loved it.
Great fleet of Finns at Mengeham, just up the road (expensive?).
RS100 developing class at HISC, I did try the proto and liked it and have followed Nick P around the harbour and have been impressed.(expensive too)
I'm too old to start with a 700 or those skiffy things.
I can't make my mind-up. Any suggestions gratefully received.

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fantasia Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 13 Dec 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 49	Post Options Post Reply Quote fantasia Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Singlehanded choice for me? Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:00pm
	I currently race a Wayfarer at Hayling Island SC and am considering converting to a singlehander due to lack of crew. I am 56, 1.92m tall and weigh 100kg. Budget £4-5k The choices seem to be Solo, Phantom, Finn or RS100 Great fleet of Solos at HISC, but am I too large? No Phantoms anywhere locally, but I used to have a wooden one and loved it. Great fleet of Finns at Mengeham, just up the road (expensive?). RS100 developing class at HISC, I did try the proto and liked it and have followed Nick P around the harbour and have been impressed.(expensive too) I'm too old to start with a 700 or those skiffy things. I can't make my mind-up. Any suggestions gratefully received.

craiggo Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 01 Apr 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1810	Post Options Post Reply Quote craiggo Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:13pm
	There are a few OKs at Emsworth I believe which may suit you as well

Late starter Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Feb 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 481	Post Options Post Reply Quote Late starter Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:28pm
	Can't comment on the Finn and 100 as I've never sailed them. I'm around 100kg too and have raced Solo's and Phantoms. Personally I think 100kg is a little too heavy for a Solo, and yes I raced one with the "right" rig for my weight. Very comfortable boat to sail though as a fellow 50 something. I'm way way more competitive in a Phantom, though the modern plastic boats are quite shallow - didn't do a lot for the knees! £4k to £5k will buy a competitive Solo or Phantom which will hold its value well so little to lose by trying either.

gordon1277 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 24 Mar 10 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 665	Post Options Post Reply Quote gordon1277 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:50pm
	As a fellow 100kg plus and only down the road in Lee on Solent if you want to try the phantom i would be willing to let you have a try. Just leave a message on here. Gordon
	Gordon Lossc

Adam MR 1137 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 10 Feb 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 114	Post Options Post Reply Quote Adam MR 1137 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:50pm
	Try an OK they are excellent boats and as somebody who was 100kg when I started sailing the boat it certainly carries that weight range nicely. I never enjoyed my sailing more. As I am getting used to the boat my results are getting better now aswell.
	Merlin rocket 1137 OK 2049 Can be seen at WYC

rodney Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 26 Feb 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 915	Post Options Post Reply Quote rodney Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 4:18pm
	Pop down to Mengeham Rythe SC just around the corner! They have about 25 Finns regularly racing (I guess that you've seen them?). Ask any Finn sailors about the Finn - they are always happy to help! You won't get Ben Ainslie's boat within your budget but you can get a good club racing boat which will hold its value well. It's a perfect class, with a great following, for a big boy like you. Rodney OH! I shouild have said that MRSC is a great club with very cheap beer Edited by rodney
	Rodney Cobb Suntouched Sailboats Limited http://www.suntouched.co.uk [EMAIL=rodney@suntouched.co.uk">rodney@suntouched.co.uk

fantasia Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 13 Dec 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 49	Post Options Post Reply Quote fantasia Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 9:13pm
	Thank you Gordon for an offer to sail your Phantom, I would like to; but I'll put that on hold for the moment. I would prefer fleet sailing and perhaps a Finn is the answer and I am up for a new challenge to improve and invigorate my sailing. They do look a bit techie though. I'll try to call into MRSC over the weekend to ask if anyone knows of a good starter boat, perhaps after tomorrow's Glyn Charles race. Thank you all for your replies.

the answer Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Newbie Joined: 24 Sep 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote the answer Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 9:24pm
	Come over to Mengeham...we don't bite and there is someone to race all the way down the fleet....bring Fantasia with you and who knows, you might get a crew on occasions. your budget is perfect for a 'first finn' Edited by the answer
	Finn GBR42..The Answer (to life the universe and everything) MRSC

fantasia Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 13 Dec 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 49	Post Options Post Reply Quote fantasia Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 9:31pm
	Thank you Adrian and I shall come and visit; but unfortunately my budget does not stretch to owning Fantasia and a Finn (and a vintage fourteen) so sadly Fantasia might be sold.

blaze720 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 28 Sep 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1635	Post Options Post Reply Quote blaze720 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 May 10 at 9:58pm
	Can't resist the temptation to plug HALO - one specially for the bigger guys and if it blows you really will need to be that little bit biggger..Might even be the odd one at the Glyn Charles tomorrow ;-) If you are there come and find us. Rigs are currently available for £ 1175 (new mast and North or Hyde sail) and you can still (occasionaly) find good value Blaze hulls - result is something special to say the least. But we are biased as is everyone else so simply try all of the ones that you might like - and make up your own mind. Would not buy a car without trying everything so why not boats as well ? Mike L.