New Single-Hander for 2012

I’m looking for a new single-hander to sail in 2012, and would invite any suggestions.

 

I have sailed lots of different classes and keelboats over the years, but the only single-hander I have raced regularly has been the Laser. The current upheaval in the class relating to design rights and in-fighting amongst builders, coupled with the plethora of individuals and organisations who seem determined to convert the boat to a development class have led me to seek an alternative boat to sail, which is fun, competitive and affordable. I am in the weight range of 70 – 75 kg.

 

One class I have considered, which appears to be having a bit of a resurgence, is the Streaker. Not sure if the circuit is big enough to maintain my interest, though I understand that at their Nationals they also include team racing and sometimes match racing, which I enjoy.

 

The Solo looks interesting and appears to have a decent circuit, though the range of builders and rigs is extensive and could keep the price of competing quite high, particularly across a range of conditions.

 

The Blaze looks an interesting boat, though the circuit appears very small and the top end of the fleet seems to be populated with large middle-aged men.

 

I had expected the RS100 to really take off when it was launched, but the numbers don’t seem to be out there yet and the cost is a little on the high side. The quality of racing seems to be good though.

 

In my view, there is clearly a position in the market for a very simple (a Tera for adults), una-rig, strictly one-design dinghy, which is fun to race and highly affordable, as was the Laser originally.

 

All suggestions are welcome.

Arn't all classes dominated by middle-aged men on the open circuit - as they are they only ones who can a) afford new boats b) afford the fuel and entry fees c) have children old enough to leave each weekend d) a long since dead university or similar social life.

Originally posted by sandgrounder In my view, there is clearly a position in the market for a very simple (a Tera for adults), una-rig, strictly one-design dinghy, which is fun to race and highly affordable, as was the Laser originally.

Isn't this what the Rooster Project X is all about?

http://www.roostersailing.com/wordpress/?p=1290#more-1290

http://www.roostersailing.com/wordpress/?p=481

Originally posted by sandgrounder .....   In my view, there is clearly a position in the market for a very simple (a Tera for adults), una-rig, strictly one-design dinghy, which is fun to race and highly affordable, as was the Laser originally.

Sure not yet another middle of the road, one-size fits all singlehander?

My suggestion would be to look at events calendars, what events would you like to sail?
Around here, a Solo would be a strong choice, plenty of open meetings, good club racing.
OTOH an RS gets you an invite to Garda. Or a Finn gets you racing against some very good sailors.
As does a Laser of course.
Even if you are happy doing mostly PY racing, a few opens or a nationals can really help you get up to speed.

Then look at the people who sail the different boats.
Who would you most like to be racing against?
Make the effort to meet some of the people. Will you fit in? Are they all younger/older/too serious/not committed enough?
Will you be winning too easily or hopelessly last? Will you be learning from good sailors or just being beaten by people who pump more than you?
Are they similar weight to you, or are you going to be well placed in certain windsrength, challenged in others?
Will it cost a lot in sails etc to keep up with the fleet? or will you look like a chequebook sailor?
Most of these things apply if you are going to race PY, where and how do you fit into the fleet? will you be first to finish and finding the races short, will you get annoyed by ClassX in strong winds and ClassY in light winds, so you never do well in the results? Are you looking to get good results next year or are you playing a long game, wanting to learn as much as possible not worrying about results for now?


Then of course, what boat do you like the look of and find comfortable.
How much do you value blasting in strong winds/tactical sailing/ease of tacking/light airs ghosting?

If there is one single 'right answer' I've not seen it yet!
But given the right people to race against, most of these boats have their niche.

Recon Wingingit is right - this threads a wind up
Just be a bbit nasty ( but not too much - careful) about all of the classes and see who bites