help needed with boat

I have sailed a vago, erm sorry if my last post was much help I am rather biast towards lasers as I have just moved onto one. I found that the vago is not the best boat to sail single handed as I have done but that was with all three sails and a trapeze. In gusty weather I realy strugled as I found it quite tippy, it was up and down. However I am only 9.5 stone. In the gusty stuff I did have crew but it cept heeling to windward after gusts and I had a lot of playing the main sheet to be done. (more than normal to prevent a capsize)

Terry

Yes the small cockpit thing is a real problem with us bigger sorts, I used to sail a Laser so know what you mean. I'd come off the water after doing a couple of races and being bent into all sorts of shapes trying to fit into the thing and be limping for days afterwards!   If you've gone from a Nova to a Solo you'll be aware of the massive increase in comfort you get with a more traditional deep cockpit "sit in" rather than "sit on" type boat. The Laser 2000 is well liked, but as far as I'm aware Laser don't do any singlehanders anything like it - people may suggest a Laser with an 8.1 rig, but I think you'll still be in the cramped Laser syndrome. I do like the look of the Megabyte, which is a modern deep cockpit singlehander for bigger types, but unfortunately it's never gained traction in the UK market.

Sad to say but I don't think there is an obvious solution, as all the options I can think of have all got down sides. My personal compromise was to get a half decent Solo, I can't say I find the boat particularly interesting but its comfortable, reasonably competitive, and I know that if and when someone finally designs my ideal boat I can sell it for just about what I paid for it. Good luck in whatever you chose, it's a great sport, and being on the water in any boat beats doing most other things!

Regards

Tony (Late starter)

To be honest mate, I would just try out as many different boats as you can and see what takes your fancy.

Hi terry i have had a vareo for the last five years and never had a single problem sailing it either downwind or up its just a case of knowing how to get the best out of the boat in all conditions and at your weight you would be fine in one going upwind or down if you go onto the vareo chat page on yahoo groups then with a bit of luck you should find someone close to you club for you to try one out as i know they are not everyones cup of tea but i like mine and the other eight in my club seem to agree. Andy

Terry... Look at a K1.

They are new on the market so you won't find any second hand ( may be ex demo?) but they have a keel, but they are a single handed dinghy sized keel boat. This should give you the stability you are after and the comfort for your size. Launch and recovery seems simple enough from what I have seen at BSC.