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Suitable day sailing dinghy

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    Posted: 14 Mar 12 at 8:19pm
I'm a big fan of the Miracle.
Grew up in them as a kid and several times sailed one single handed in some reasonable breeze when I was a very weedy thin teenager.  It's short enough that you can easily get the pole out and the kite up as well when single handed sailing it.  
Good little boat for cruising around.  
The only problem being the majority are wooden, meaning potential maintenance.  

The Miracle is a very nice, versatile, little boat though.  
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Baz View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Baz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Mar 12 at 10:19pm
Thanks everybody,
I appreciate the suggestions, and will look seriously at those options. While its great being 60kg when running a half marathon etc, it can be a pain in many other areas. There are some newish designs like the Topper Magno or the RS Vision etc that would seem to fit the bill but at my weight and singlehanded they may be unmanageable in anything other than a gentle breeze.
Thanks again for your suggestions and keep them coming, and yes i will consider racing and club life and try and stay clear of boats that may be harder to sell on in a few years time,
All the best,
Barry
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Post Options Post Options   Quote patj Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 12 at 1:54pm
Isn't boat length is an advantage when sailing in waves? So the Wanderer or similar designed for the sea would be best.
Visions, Magnos etc were designed for families or training and need more than one person as you say.
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Rupert View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 12 at 2:05pm
Make the boat easy to reef, & that way your weight won't matter.
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
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Post Options Post Options   Quote phil wright Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 12 at 10:39am
The RS Vision can be easily reefed and can take an outboard which is very useful when the tide turns.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Medway Maniac Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 12 at 11:21am
Originally posted by phil wright

The RS Vision can be easily reefed and can take an outboard which is very useful when the tide turns.

If only it were a nice boat to sail...
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 12 at 11:49am
Originally posted by phil wright

The RS Vision can be easily reefed and can take an outboard which is very useful when the tide turns.
 
 
If only it were a lighter boat to drag around on your own.


Edited by GK.LaserII - 17 Mar 12 at 11:52am
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Baz View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Baz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 12 at 3:56pm
Thankyou for all your suggestions, its reassuring that im not the only one finding this choice difficult! I've looked at the Wayfarer, but its too big and heavy for me, the Wanderer and Gull both look very good, the Wanderer being slightly larger may be more suitable for coastal inlets/harbours etc. As for the RS Vision or Toppers Magno, they seem to have as many fans as detractors, but both compare favourably with the Wanderer and Gull in terms of weight, size and sail area so its time to arrange some test sails and see what feels best. Thankyou again for your inputs, i'll let ye know how i get on.
P.s. Theres a Leader for sale near me, it seems very similar to the Wanderer, which is the better day boat for cruising/pottering about?
Barry
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Post Options Post Options   Quote SoggyBadger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 12 at 4:59pm
I have heard of a Leader being used for single-handed cruising but it was by a very experienced sailor who weights well over 60kgs. I've never sailed one myself but I'd image than since it was designed first and foremost as a racing dinghy it would be a bit more lively to handle than a Wanderer which Ian Proctor designed specifically for Margaret Dye as a cruising dinghy. 
Best wishes from deep in the woods

SB

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Post Options Post Options   Quote Baz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Mar 12 at 8:25pm
Thank you Soggy Badger,
That makes a lot of sense, think its time to arrange a test sail in a wanderer.I'll let you know how i get on.
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