So what do I get?

OK, So I hear what you are saying, redback, but now I am confused, so you'll have to help.

I thought that the Magno was brought out by Topper as a bigger alternative to the Topaz, followed by RS bringing out the Vision to be an upgraded Feva, and then Laser bringing out the Vago to compete with them, and sort of be an upgraded Pico (though quite a considerable step. Wasn't this the famous 'two person pico?)

So, if the Vago wont suit, why would the Magno? I am sure I am missing something.

Heeelllpppp!!!

Sailor.jon. Is there anywhere that you know of where people sail laser 3000's in london. I'd be keen to try one. Are they polyethelene, plastic, or grp. I only know the 2000 and 4000, which scratch if you even show them sand!

Thanks

P

I have to admit as a dinghy sailor that Dr. Clifford might have a point.  I've sailed a Hobie and that too is pretty tough and so stable you can take complete novices out as passengers (and more than 1).  A great base to get trapezeing from too, although so stable it would be a shock switching to a monohull. The Hobie in particular doesn't point but you get to windward by close reaching - good if you've got the space.  They are wet and a handfull in a blow.

I've looked at the VAGO in the flesh*t is a kids trainer for high performance boats, I wouldn't think it would match many of your requirements, a Magno might?

http://www.toppersailboats.com/testreports_magno.html

Thanks for that.

Do you have a spinnaker on your cat? Is it as effective as one on a monohull?

As for sailing close to the wind,I have a fair understanding of sail shape, aerodynamics etc, and I was extremely impressed with how flexible the dart 16 was (as well as how safe, without a boom!) But I still couldn't get close to the wind.I understand what you mean about VMG, but I suppose as I want to 'cruise' rather than race, flexibility is more important than VMG. I want to sail as many points as possible!

Finally, isn't it a pain having to restring the tramp every time you tow it somewhere? (I ask in total ignorance). The thing I really like about monohulls are that, apart from having to erect the mast and possibly clip a couple of stays on, as soon as its off the trailer, its ready for rigging.

All said, I am happy to keep an open mind. There is a distinct advantage of being able to break your boat down into easily manageable chunks and put it on a roofrack. I somehow can't see my wife being able to lift half a Laser Vago onto a roofrack! Now, a float from a dart 16, that seems more sensible!

Ta

P

Guys

Doc Clifford. Yes, did think about a Cat. I sailed a Dart 16 this year quite a lot as well, and that was great fun. I suppose my hesitation is that firstly it doesn't tack or go upwind as well as a dinghy (in my experience), second, they tend to be a bit more expensive (or is that just my impression) and finally, they tend to be a LOT wetter! I also know little or nothing about spinnakers on them (which models come with spinnakers etc). Also, finally, are they a pain to tow? I mean Dart 16 is 2.3m wide (wider than my car!).

When I was sailing one, I thought it looked a real pain to break down as well. I don't want a boat that is going to take half the day to put together. Having said that, my goodness, don't they go! We were using one in Greece, and I was outsailing everything around on a reach. I went flying past a 35 foot yacht, which claimed to be doing 8 knots. Given the speed I passed, I must have been doing 15+!

Maxim. I do like the look of the Vago, but I wished I knew someone who had at least sailed one, or if Laser had a trial one somewhere. I mean, at first sight, the Topper Topaz Tres looks great, but from what I read and hear, they are not particularly stable, and the spinnakers are extremely difficult to get up and down singlehanded. I don't want to buy a boat without having tried it first, but the Vago seems not actually to be selling yet, does it? Has anyone seen one anywhere except at the boat show!

Good ideas all the same. Keep em coming (especially more info about cats).

Ta

P