yet another 600 thread...

Mike.

I was in a similar position to you a few weeks ago ... coming straight from a Topper, albeit crewing a LOT in cherubs/14's/Fireball's.

I've had the six for about 2 months now, maybe slightly less ... and I don't think the tales of 600's being massively tricky are necessarily true.

The first time I sailed was a F4, and I was using the big rig, which was just too much bearing in mind I'm about 65kg sailing with small racks which is far too light... and yes, I agree, it was f*cking hard. Could barely tack etc.

Next week, I sorted the boat for the small rig, and went out in a F3 ish. It COMPLETELY changed the boat, tacking was easy as hell, just like a 'normal' boat, and I could just be flat one the wire, helming (fairly) well. Still capsised a bit, but not too much.

Anyway, I'd say go for it mate, I'm 16 and am thoroughly LOVING it ... my suggestion would be to make sure you DO learn how to sail the boat on the small rig first, and trust me, it still has a nice load of power to give, and you'll be quicker and sailing better than if you struggle along with the big rig!

As for tension... Yeah I'm using small rig and I pull a fair amount on before I go sailing, a nice hard, pull. Never noticed any floppy forestay?

 

Hope it's helpful, feel free to PM.

 

Franko

Hi Mike,

Its fairly normal to see the forestay go slack in the 600 when sailing downwind in big breeze, its connected a pretty bendy carbon stick after all. I've always been amazed at what the mast puts up with- pitchpoling straight downwind in a 35 knot gust has to put some pretty serious stress on all parts of the rig. I do however think that this guys description of the cleat touching the deck is a bit unlikely.
The earlier boats are generally very solid and well built so don't let age put you off.
The problem with the angel mast is that it has an aluminium sleeve which tends to corrode with age if sailed in sea water, resulting in delamination and weakness just above the mast join. The mast itself is said by some to have better bend characteristics for light sailors.
Don't be instantly put off by an angel mast- if it has survived this long it probably is fine. At £1150 for a replacement mast be sure to not to scrimp on insurance for either!!!

So any other forumites coming down to the 600 nationals in Torquay??

Cheers,

Mark, Rs600 Class rep GBR717

Sounds like he is over exagerating about the tensioning jobbie hitting the deck. And i would also think that if an Angel mast has lasted this long, its likely to last a while longer to say the least! but still use it as an excuse to get the boat for cheaperif you can!

Im not sure about the idea of going for the small rig by the way, im not far over 65kg and i dont tend to struggle too much untill its gets very breezy and wavey. I would have thought going with the big rig all the time would soon enough improve your sailing that you wont struggle at all.

Also, buy it now and you could manage the nats next week!!!

Originally posted by 29er397 Also, buy it now and you could manage the nats next week!!!

where???????

yes alright i didnt read it