Classes fading in popularity

I've sailed the Laser, RS300 and the EPS so I suppose I should try the Blaze and come to think of it I should try the Phantom.  How does the Blaze compare with these boats?

Redback

Only way to assess any boat is to sail it - there's a lot of hype from manufacturers, associations and 'my team' individuals and we are no different of course !  You can safely assume most have raced Lasers at some time or other and many of us have come from things like RS 300's and Phantoms as well.  In terms of performance  - in the light stuff a well sailed modern Phantom should beat all comers, with a 300 close behind on handicap.  I've tried an EPS and it's let down by the wings in my opinion - a bit too low to get through any real chop was the summary but a nice rig.  Once into a low F3 the Blaze starts to pull it back and in a high F3 and more it will simply pull away.  It's got little rocker and while tacks are a little slower than say a Laser the straight line speed more than makes up for it.  It's also relatively easy to sail once you get used to the sailing position and what makes it 'go' but that is the same in most classes.  Set up to suit the individual the competitive range spans 11stone to over 16 stone - we had a range of 12-16.5 stone in the first five at the Nationals that was held in conditions from F1 to F6.  If you like F3-5 and speed, especially in waves, the boat is amazingly good fun and not too physically demanding in terms of the 'grunt' demanded.  It prospers because its a good package and most can sail it in conditions that make some classes more than a little 'demanding' but it is still highly rewarding to sail - however it's the people that ultimately make any class.  Contact us via the association website and try one out.

Cheers - Mike Lyons  - BLAZE CLASS ASSOCIATION 

Blaze?

Yes - that's the name ....     www.blaze-sailing.org.uk

Thanks Lucy ... you can't believe how good it is to see the class slowly coming back to life again, with interest rising at club level too after some good winter pursuit and summer grand prix results. Fourteen at our last open event, with six new members competing at class level for the first time. We're very welcoming, and the emphasis is definitely on LOL, on and off the water!!!