B14

I agree that the I14 is probably too much money, time and effort to sail well, not to mention the cost of boats capable of competing in modern fleets. Cherub has similar problems. Laser 4000 seems a bit like a beefed up 29er, and i just don't really want to sail one. When it comes down to it, its 29er v B14. The 29er has the advantage of having another boat regularly, and a trapeze. I already have good experience sailing trapeze boats, so no great loss not sailing the 29er there. When it comes down to it, its a question of how important other boats are: either have 1 29er to race against regularly, or have the occasional b14 plus a couple of Mustos. Can a boat still be enjoyably raced without others that are identical? remember that TBYC has very long courses, about 20 mins per lap in an assymetric like b14 or 29er, and 35 mins in a laser or sandhopper.

 

I hate to disagree, we found our M12 relatively easy to get on with. We never sailed a B5 so can't comment on that boat but the class consensus is the B5 is easier than the M12, so you're right on that score. We owned our M12 for a good few years and I found it much easier than a 5000 or 49er, hence the relatively easy comparison. Could be a case of horses for courses, I just found the 14 quite straight forward and forgiving compared to other boats I've sailed and a little dissapointing really, one of the main reasons we stayed clear of the 800 too. My crew was of the same opinion and really wondered why we punted the 49er on. The 49er had the ability to suprise, the 14 seemed very tame in comparison, you could almost have a cup of tea 2 sail reaching a 14. 

 

I didn't see Pete Barton sail his boat, but have seen quite a few Cherubs perform at the level I mentioned, hence my opinion is based on the average sailor sailing the Cherub, not Pete Barton. I've sailed a 420 faster than a 14 round a course, does that mean 420s are quicker than 14s??? Or could it be I was just sailing better than the guys sailing the 14 and was able to handle the boat better?

I have spent more then a little time in other classes pal, try doing a little more research instead of picking up on some old forum threads!!!

the facts are this the OP wants a fast boat, he struggles for a regular crew (sorry if thats wrong) and is all up 20-22 stone.  I feel its irresponsible to try and convince him that a M12 or modern rules 14 is a viable option, they are bloody quick and extreme boats, they can be expensive and hard to re-sell.  He would be much better suited to a B14 (I have also owned one of these) for the following reasons:

*Cheaper to be competitive

*Closer to class weight

*Friendly smaller class

*More of an open circuit

*Easier to train a new crew.