Suitable dinghy for a small lake

   Hello,
I have just sold my double-hander (Lark) because of the lack of regular crew and am looking for a new dinghy. I've trawled through countless webpages but can't really decide, and would appreciate some help.

I have been dinghy sailing for a year after having moved away from the ocean and yacht regattas. I quickly realized that these are two very different activities and am quite average, but looking to improve.

I am quite fit and active on board and weigh around 80 kg. I am looking for a dinghy that I can single-hand, that is fun to sail in (not a brick), has some speed but is adapted to my local conditions. I don't mind swimming during my sailing sessions (did a lot of that at first).

If I was sailing on a large reservoir, I wouldn't be posting here, I would get something that I can blast up and down. However, I am sailing in a nice little club that has a 40 acre lake surrounded by trees. The average conditions are very shifty winds (sometimes 180°: tack on a shift or die) around 6 - 12 kts. The courses set on a Sunday involve a lot of tacking as there is an island (narrow water) to get around.

So to recap: I'm looking for a competitive, quick in light air (even if it means being overpowered on stronger days), nimble dinghy that I can single-hand for around £1K. It can be a single hander or a small double hander. The fleet is quite mixed at the club, we only do pursuit races. There are a couple of Solos, but I'm not overly keen about them. I'm going to be difficult by saying that I don't like Lasers either.

Thank you for your input.

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maxinsis Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 19 Nov 14 Online Status: Offline Posts: 9	Post Options Post Reply Quote maxinsis Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Suitable dinghy for a small lake Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 8:11am
	Hello, I have just sold my double-hander (Lark) because of the lack of regular crew and am looking for a new dinghy. I've trawled through countless webpages but can't really decide, and would appreciate some help. I have been dinghy sailing for a year after having moved away from the ocean and yacht regattas. I quickly realized that these are two very different activities and am quite average, but looking to improve. I am quite fit and active on board and weigh around 80 kg. I am looking for a dinghy that I can single-hand, that is fun to sail in (not a brick), has some speed but is adapted to my local conditions. I don't mind swimming during my sailing sessions (did a lot of that at first). If I was sailing on a large reservoir, I wouldn't be posting here, I would get something that I can blast up and down. However, I am sailing in a nice little club that has a 40 acre lake surrounded by trees. The average conditions are very shifty winds (sometimes 180°: tack on a shift or die) around 6 - 12 kts. The courses set on a Sunday involve a lot of tacking as there is an island (narrow water) to get around. So to recap: I'm looking for a competitive, quick in light air (even if it means being overpowered on stronger days), nimble dinghy that I can single-hand for around £1K. It can be a single hander or a small double hander. The fleet is quite mixed at the club, we only do pursuit races. There are a couple of Solos, but I'm not overly keen about them. I'm going to be difficult by saying that I don't like Lasers either. Thank you for your input.

iGRF Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 11 Location: Hythe Online Status: Offline Posts: 6499	Post Options Post Reply Quote iGRF Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 8:53am
	Sounds like Supernova territory.
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Blue One Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 09 Nov 13 Online Status: Offline Posts: 317	Post Options Post Reply Quote Blue One Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 12:40pm
	I sail on an even smaller lake. The single handers at our club are supernovas, comets,lightnings and our most popular single hander, the British Moth. All these boats would carry your weight well. The choice is yours, depending what's your priority. Do you want centre or rear main, stays or un stayed rig ? Deep cockpit or self draining? Try googling these boats and see if you can blag a go in the ones you fancy. Also maybe think about d-zero/rs aero. Edited by Blue One - 20 Nov 14 at 1:12pm

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 12:51pm
	The British Moth is a little bit of a Marmite boat, but reading your description, sounds ideal for your situation. Certainly worth a test sail to see if you like it. 'd certainly buy another if sailing on tiny water.
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

maxinsis Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 19 Nov 14 Online Status: Offline Posts: 9	Post Options Post Reply Quote maxinsis Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 2:21pm
	Thank you for your replies. My preference would be a boat that looks like a boat rather than an oversize windsurfer (I'm not meaning to sound offensive). There is a Comet at our club: I've taken it out several times - it doesn't feel right to me (especially that sail). To be fair, something along the lines of the Solo (but more responsive?) would be good - I was told that with 1000£ +-500, I wouldn't get a nice one though. Do you have any input regarding similar looking models like the Europe or the OK? In the double-handers section, do you think I could get away with a National 12 (I love the design of the Crusader)? Could you explain what 'a Marmite boat' means? I have recently come to live in the UK and haven't quite grasped all the expressions yet! Here is to get an idea of the space: http://s13.postimg.org/46akmwy6v/P1020471.jpg Edited by maxinsis - 20 Nov 14 at 2:26pm

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 2:39pm
	If you want a boat shaped boat which is value for money and lighter than a Solo, sail a Lightning! You'd get a very good one for the money. Marmite - love it or hate it.
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

patj Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 16 Jul 04 Location: Wiltshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 643	Post Options Post Reply Quote patj Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 6:17am
	We also sail on a puddle surrounded by trees and the Comet is a regular winner. Others that do well on the water re the Supernova, Laser, Topaz, Solo and last week a British Moth joined and did well. Also the Graduate and Firefly are sailed single handed quite frequently or a crew can be added if available - but we have to sail a series all the same way to count the results!

maxinsis Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 19 Nov 14 Online Status: Offline Posts: 9	Post Options Post Reply Quote maxinsis Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 12:09pm
	Looking at your answers, it seems to be that within the limits of a certain type of dinghies (ie. not the super fast skiffs), the model doesn't really matter as much as the person sailing it. If I think reasonably, it is probably better to get the boat that is the most raced at my local club - and improve by racing with the same start time. In my case, a Solo. Although I read a lot of bad things about it ("slogo"), the tactics of racing could be thrilling. And looking at the board the Solos are at the top. Sounds like I'm trying to convince myself... I would still like to hear how an OK would be in comparison.

Jack Sparrow Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 08 Feb 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2965	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jack Sparrow Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 12:24pm
	Phantom
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iGRF Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 11 Location: Hythe Online Status: Offline Posts: 6499	Post Options Post Reply Quote iGRF Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 12:29pm
	I've been needing an excuse to post this, I thought other than it's rig, it's a great looking boat..
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