Sailing in your 80% Healthspan

It's light enough and 14' is not too long IMHO but I agree about the size of the rig (hence my 'reduced rig' comment). It is wide too which is a mixed blessing, and doesn't have a reputation for being quick in the light* (though it should be pretty comfortable). For me the downside is that even the oldest used boats are only a few years old and holding their value pretty well.

An H2lite with around 8m2 could be very attractive proposition but, given the lack of success of the (superb) Fire rig in the Blaze class I doubt they'll want to tread that path. And, I guess, the Fire rig is not popular 'cos the Blaze rig is just so manageable in a breeze so maybe the H2 rig is similar?

When I'm older I'd guess a boat that excels in F2 would be more suitable than one that comes into it's own in F5+ as I will be more likely to stay in the bar when it really blows.

* Which surprises me given the amount of Merlin Rocket in it's DNA, maybe I'm wrong about that though.

well Tink, I examined this issue in some detail a while back..... cast your eye over https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/188538/Silver-Dream-Racer

Dinghy sailing is quite remarkable in the fact that it can be one of the most 'un-ageist' of participation sports. Before posting, I reread my article and with another 3 years now 'on the clock' I'd not change much.....in terms of single handers recoverability out afloat I would say was now the must crucial aspect - that and ease of moving about on shore. I can still hike, waggle a tiller and pull in the mainsheet, so performance sailing is still possible IF.... you can get someone fit and nimble to do the leaping around in the front of the boat.

Still in reflective mode - it is sad that out of  the three boats I name checked as being better for the older sailor, the Alto, Icon and H2, only the singlehander is a going concern. I was RO for their Nationals again this year (second year in a row.....a nice class that are a joy to manage) and even in the difficult going, they were still recoverable by 'older' sailors - as in older than me and I'm old!

Bottom line - chose the right boat/boat+crew and there is not a lot to stop you sailing on into the 70s!

D

Part of the catalyst was a recent safety duty where I assisted  a couple of Solos, an OK and a Streaker all of who had righted successfully but simply could not get back onboard their boats.

The easiest boat I have righted were my ICs, and they are sailed by mature people but sadly not suitable for where we sail.