Contender?

As someone who always finds himself below the recommended weight for the boats he wants to sail I don’t entirely agree. Yes all other things being equal being small is an advantage… if you have the skill to keep the boat upright… but being too big for a boat makes it much easier when learning or for when you either, not that good, or you don’t get to spend the time on water to be that good.

For example Its much easier to sail an overpowered boat when you can briefly pause on the side after a each tack should you need to rather than have to get immediately out on the wire regardless.

I’m not suggesting that its better to be big rather that there advantages to both.

Ian

65kg would be very light - you would start to get overpowered just as the boat began to come into its own.

You would get wiring early though !

If the lake is small forget it - unless its just for boat handling practise - otherwise you may find yourself chasing the Lasers around.

65kg would seem a bit light methinks. ...

......start eating pies and drinking guiness.

I've been thinking of trying a contender for years.

Lovely strong wind boat.  We had a fast single hander regatta at my club in spring in the prevailing 25knots the contenders did really well - nearly beat the Musto Skiffs on handicap and kept surprisingly close behind on the water.  Some of the best ones (wooden all over / painted all over) are totally gorgeous

Bit dull in light airs though - especially down wind.  Not really a boat you want to have to sit down in.  But if you buy a light one and (illegally) remove the lead weights ..........

Then you start thinking.. hmm proper performance single hander, wouldn't a kite be nice?  RS700??? 

I drive past KGSC most weeks .. haven't noticed many contenders, but then it's only the big boats whos masts stick up over the dam that you can see from the pub! Looks like a good bit of water though - wide and windy.