How hard is a Skiff

Hi,

I'm in the market for a new toy and drooling whilst looking at pics and vids of skiffs speeding along.  I am wondering how difficult a skiff such as a RS 700 or MPS is to sail,  I'm happy to put effort in but don't want to spend ££££ and find out a napkin would've been a better solution for the drooling.

I love sailing, I've done a fair bit of ocean sailing and keelboat racing, I'm vaguely fit, 37 yrs old  and weigh 72kgs.  I've raced as crew on a Dart cat a few times (no problems at all).  My main aim is get out on the water, sail  and relish the rush.

Is it feasible to head directly into skiffs or should I start elsewhere in the dinghy world?

Appreciate your insights, thank you.

Jumping from leadmines to a skiff will be quite a change. I'd suggest crewing for someone in say an 800 or something for a while to get used to how things work in the skiff world and get more solid experience trapezing. If you screw up, a half decent helm can usually compensate/give you advice making the learning process quicker and less painful.

Helming double handed high performance boats is easier than a single handers, it cuts down the workload a bit and a second person in the boat makes the exits from tacks/gybes easier esp if they wire to wire tack.

Attempting to sail a boat that constantly nails you is no fun at all. Take it a step at a time, no doubt you will progress quickly with your background.

Also, watch the Higher & Faster dvd even though it is for double handers.

but dont be put off by the fact that you will swim on your first few gos, everyone does. first time i went in an 800 there was only about 8 knots of breeze and i still went for a refreshing dip, taking the helm with me (i was shaken off the rack by lardarse at the back of the bus leaping out in a gust, it was quite funny especialy as it was one of my first experiences of trapezing).

Originally posted by turnturtle once you're bored of it (1 season or 2)

its taken me 7 months to get bored of mine

Sorting out small boat handling skills is possible a less risky option - it's a sensible development route etc. but it doesn't teach you a lot about skiffs except that it's really worth taking the gybes slowly at first.

Skiff sailing is a lot about having good initial fitness (remember that bit) and a strong sense of upright, even when everything's mobile. Think waterborne skateboard.

If you don't mind the steep learning curve you could become competent in a skiff faster, by having a go (repeatedly) and reading up about it. Watching skiff crews close up is also good if you get your eye trained on what's going on. You will capsize, but you'll get there faster.

29er crew - four outings only! Mother of two 29er crews. Longtime hiking crew and bit part helm.

Tessa