Any Suggestions?

Originally posted by redback I'll just add a few observations.  The Europe is a real throroughbred and with the right rig you can make it fit your weight but it all costs a lot of money.  Soemone like Shirley Robertson was happy to spend enough money to try several rigs until she had a rig which suited her weight and style.  Most people can't afford that and when they buy a 2nd hand boat they gennerally have live with what they get.  If you could find a boat with the right rig I'd go for it because they are lovely boats. Alternatively you'll have to have something out of a box, ie Laser or Byte.  The new Byte rig sounds good but are there other boats to race against - probably not?  I reckon you'd learn more and have more fun if you sail a boat that others sail at your club - regardless of your weight (as long as you don't go silly, ie don't buy a Finn).

Hello! Regarding the Byte - I don't remember seeing any at my club - I'll do some asking around but they are mainly Lasers and Oppies. While I want to enter club racing initially I don't mind not having the same boat as everyone else - it's going to be a boat for me to learn in and get better in (hopefully!) I'm not sure there's much point getting a Laser if it's just going to be over powered constantly and it isn't the right boat to learn in...

The Europe is also high up my list of possibilities - there isn't anyone in Cardiff with a Europe (that I know of!) but I have friend in Bristol who knows a lot about them so I'll ask him for his thoughts

The Europe is definitely a great boat, I bought one for £200 and have had a lot of fun with it.  I took it to the nationals and despite being probably overweight (I'm 5'6" and 11 stone) for the boat (as well as the boat being well overweight...) I managed a 4th in one of the lightest races of the weekend.  It's good far better handling than a laser (which in comparison handles like a barge).  Don't get too hung up on the boom, it's a technique issue and you get used to it quickly.  There are definitely some deals to be had and you can always buy a cheap hull and then mix and match the other bits as a lot of the olympic girls have multiple sails and masts that they'll be wanting to get rid of!

Lightning seems another popular boat for smaller lady helms, we've a number at my home club.  Don't know much about them though.

Good Luck

T

If you're going to get a single hander it's got to be a moth! If you were thinking of a 700 you'll be good enough! I'm about 50kg myself. Also, being a female mothie is cool - there's only 2 of us in the UK atm. You can adjust the rig easily so you're not overpowered!