Single Hander/Double Hander

   Hey! I've been sailing for around a year and I'm thinking of buying a boat. I'm still very much a novice; I weigh 70kg and am 5ft 9. Ideally, I'd like something that's manageable and exciting as a single hander, but which I could also take a mate out for a spin in occasionally. Would such a thing exist? I learned on a Laser Pico and that, along with a few Lasers, get sailed in my club. Someone mentioned a Laser Vago to me...but they look quite pricey. The word 'tippy' has been thrown about as well; I don't mind getting wet but would I be totally out of my depth with something like that (excuse the pun)? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

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dohertpk Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 28 Sep 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 172	Post Options Post Reply Quote dohertpk Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Single Hander/Double Hander Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 7:37pm
	Hey! I've been sailing for around a year and I'm thinking of buying a boat. I'm still very much a novice; I weigh 70kg and am 5ft 9. Ideally, I'd like something that's manageable and exciting as a single hander, but which I could also take a mate out for a spin in occasionally. Would such a thing exist? I learned on a Laser Pico and that, along with a few Lasers, get sailed in my club. Someone mentioned a Laser Vago to me...but they look quite pricey. The word 'tippy' has been thrown about as well; I don't mind getting wet but would I be totally out of my depth with something like that (excuse the pun)? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

SoggyBadger Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 26 Oct 10 Location: The Wild Wood Online Status: Offline Posts: 552	Post Options Post Reply Quote SoggyBadger Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 8:20pm
	I wouldn't call a Vago tippy (I've got a background in Merlins) but they might be a bit on frisky side for you ATM, especially single-handed. Really though, racing dinghies are designed for a certain crew weight range which is a lot less than the difference between one or two occupants. My advice is to look for something which will suit you for the majority of your sailing rather than worry about the once-in-a-blue-moon scenario.
	Best wishes from deep in the woods SB

dohertpk Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 28 Sep 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 172	Post Options Post Reply Quote dohertpk Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 8:27pm
	Thanks a mil for the feedback. So I guess what I'm looking for is an exciting but manageable single hander which has space for the occasional passenger...? Again, any suggestions appreciated.

PeterG Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Jan 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 823	Post Options Post Reply Quote PeterG Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 8:56pm
	The RS Vareo was supposed to fit that bill, but I'm not sure anyone who has sailed one would agree (I never have, so don't take my word for it)
	Peter Ex Cont 707 Ex Laser 189635 DY 59

dohertpk Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 28 Sep 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 172	Post Options Post Reply Quote dohertpk Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 9:03pm
	Thanks PeterG, I'll have a look at that.

SoggyBadger Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 26 Oct 10 Location: The Wild Wood Online Status: Offline Posts: 552	Post Options Post Reply Quote SoggyBadger Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 9:14pm
	You might get away with taking a yougster out with you in a Vareo but I think it'd be too cramped at the front for an adult as the boom slopes downward and is pretty low at the front. Also i don't think that a single-hander with spinnaker would be a sensible choice for you at you current level of experience.
	Best wishes from deep in the woods SB

dohertpk Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 28 Sep 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 172	Post Options Post Reply Quote dohertpk Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 9:18pm
	ah. Don't think my girlfriend counts as a 'youngster':) Thanks again!

Rockhopper Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 16 Nov 07 Location: Eastry Online Status: Offline Posts: 642	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rockhopper Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Sep 12 at 8:50am
	I sailed my vareo a few times with an adult in it and it was ok a bit nose heavy going down wind apart from that it was fine
	Retired now after 35 seasons in a row and time for a rest. 2004 national champ Laser5000 2007,2010,National Champ Rs Vareo

Jack Sparrow Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 08 Feb 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2965	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jack Sparrow Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Sep 12 at 2:53pm
	I think I'd look at a Streaker. http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/class/Streaker
	Farr 3.7 Class Website Farr 3.7 Building - Facebook Group

bferry Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 01 Jun 09 Location: Malta Online Status: Offline Posts: 190	Post Options Post Reply Quote bferry Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Feb 13 at 9:26am
	I've sailed my Vareo 2 up a number of times (2 adults of around 70-75kg and around 5'8) Its a real blast especially when the wind is up. My only comment with your weight (same as me) is that 70kg is a bit light for the Vareo unless you buy the storm sail. I find it can be a bit overwhelming in a force 4+ with the main sail. Otherwise its a great boat and provides a good learning platform especially when you get the genny flying. Edited by bferry - 05 Feb 13 at 9:29am
	Bernard Vareo 249 Miracle 2818 Malta