K1 - Whats the point?

keel lifting is easy see link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcE5RLxEEgc

and a short vid of what it is  like to sail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PeUoBmNuI8

I think the K1 is a great idea.

I'm one of those strange people who started crewing on big boats and
have progressed back to smaller keel boats.

I have been sailing a flying fifteen single handed on and off for the last
few years (an old crap one). Have loved the boat but am fed up with bits
falling off it as its 30 years old and if there is too much wind then I'm
buggered. Light airs are fine, can even fly the kite and pass a few of the
newer boats. Of course I get reminded that I am not allow to race
singlehanded but who cares, I'm having fun passing a few people. Getting
the F15 out fo the water requires help or the car. Launching was fine as I
had a trolley with a brake!

I sailed a K1 in June when Paul Handley (designer) brought one to Bewl.
I'm must had about 5 or 6 goes and each time liked the boat even more.
There weren't many boats on the lake that I didn't pass, including lasers
and the odd F15, oh and a Xenon. The K1 is so balanced and easy to sail
but really good fun at the same time. I think if a boat makes you smile
like a kid on a roller coaster then its good. It was blowing about a 3-4 and
the K1 planned easily off the wind and went like train.

I have just ordered one and cant wait for it to arrive. Bewl is great as we
have concrete slips with a pontoon, which is usually for the F15's but not
any more!

I have ideas of doing the Isle of Sheppy race this year (if the boat turns up
in time or next year if not).

The K1 seems to be really weel tested and thought out. I agree that if you
sail of a beach then your are going to need a friend, if you have a slip
you'll be fine.

Someone said that its too heavy to pull up a slip way. Sounds like they
need more weetabix! I helped pack the boat up and pull it about 100ft up
a steepish slip, it was a piece of piss if you are used to an F15!

I maybe bucking the trend of oldies who are perceived to be ordering K1's
, Im only 32. I hope to be travelling to open meetings when they start next
year.

Embrace the keel! It makes the thought of sailing through the winter easy
when you know you wont get an ice bath.....

Pull the keel up and pull the boat over and walk under the bridge like every
else?!? Less than ideal means its a challenge!

We had a family holiday in Devon last week and I'm sure i
saw one on the water at Salcombe week
Ian

We have one at Tewkesbury. It looks great and goes really
well!