49er

Originally posted by andy_cherub For shear fun 24/7 and the best sailing of your life, you really cant beat a twin wire 12ft boat weighing under 50kg!!

24/7 with a 12ft skiff that's a touch on the ambitious side

If the Olympics are your goal, you need racing skills. You'll get these by regular class racing. At 14, your only options are to get involved with RYA chosen youth classes. These are listed hear: http://www.rya.org.uk/Youth/youthsailracingprogrammes/nation aljuniorsquad/nationaljuniorsquad.htm
 
I was in a RYA Topper squad for a while and it's hard work, but I learned more in that short space of time than I did collectively before that. I'm not saying you HAVE get into a squad, but your best chances of getting to the Olympics is through the RYA youth squad program. At the very minimum, you want to be attending as many open events and all the major national events possible in whatever class you chose to sail in. Getting good results will come with experience. Prepare to be thrashed to begin with, It's demoralising but it will only get better if you practice. Remember, some of those kids have been race training with the RYA since they were 11! The more time you can get on the water, racing, the better. Good luck!

Yeah if you want to go for 2012 you will have to try and get into national racing etc. What else have you sailed previously?

get a laser, get a lot of class racing, then start worrying abou going ludicrously quickly. for the games you are going to need the racing experience and a laser will be the best choice for that.

edit: coincidently my laser is currently for sale for £2300, PM for more details.

Edited by mike ellis

I have to agree, if you want to try for 2012 your going to need the right racing experience and the Laser is excellent for that, ive learnt so much in racing after about 2 - 3 months in mine!