RS300 vs Blaze

And now for a totally biased post:

I used to have a Laser and was getting bored with sailing as a whole. I'd done the open circuit thing as a youth in both Lightning 368 and Lasers, and was at that stage where I didn't bother rigging the Laser unless it was absolutely blowing it's knockers off as it was the only guarantee of having fun. I was in need of yet another new Laser sail and my hull was getting tired as well (144K) so 18 months ago I flogged it and bought the fastest single handed hiking boat I could afford. It was a rash decision as my priorities were thus:

£2000 budget, lowest possible PY, would support a 14stone beer lover.

I had a similar conundrum and the 300 won because it was faster on Handicap. Stupid criteria I know but all I can say is that it was the right decision. Absolutely awesome boat. Immensely challenging to sail at first but once you learn to be gentle with it and not leap around like an idiot it's just beautiful. It does everything you ask of it and still surprises me every time I sail it.

The sails last ages, the hull is bulletproof and surprisingly good in big waves - at the Nationals this year, we had a solid Force 5 and 15-20 foot waves. It was beautifully behaved in the waves and that day is still the biggest buzz I've ever had in a boat. The net result is that two years ago I was planning to do a couple more seasons and then sell up and buy a cheap rallycross car and find a new way to injure myself.  Instead I'm cutting 7 days in mauritius off my honeymoon so I can afford to go to Garda for the 300 eurocup instead!

For a balanced view speak to Steve at Rooster - he's stuffed everyone in both classes a multitude of times!

As for local 300's, the legend that is Bazza Steel sails at Aldenham and a nicer guy you will not meet. The 300 is definately a growing class and it's a cracking bunch of people who just love sailing.

 

Originally posted by Incitatus Its a shame the EPS has vanished as that looked to be between the two boats and might have had the best of both worlds. I never sailed one.

I have. Its not a shame.

I wondered about both boats a few years ago and opted for the Blaze which I thoroughly enjoyed sailing. I only stopped sailing Blazes because I missed 2 man sailing too much and couldn't afford 2 boats.

My reasons for choosing the Blaze over the RS300 were:

Firstly, although the RS300 is by far the more attractive looking boat, it is also significantly more difficult to sail. As I only sail once a week, I did not want to spend too much time swimming! Even Steve Cockrill has described the RS300 as one of the more challenging boats he has mastered and he is alot better sailor than me. He also enjoys the Blaze so it can't be that boring!

Secondly, the secondhand market is very active in Blazes and at the time I looked RS300s were sticking. I would always rather have a boat that can be sold when I want to sell it.

 

 

I'm going to be looking for a cheap 2nd boat for myself as my Mrs doesnt like the sea, any suggestions for cheap powerful single handed boats???

So...the verdict seems to be if I want a very technical and a steep learning curve (and a fair bit of swimming practice) go for the RS, If I want a powerful fun boat then go for the Blaze....

How do Blazes keep up with Phantoms, whats the crew weight in comparion, I cannot see anything about crew weight for the Blaze aside from 'it accomodates a large range of crew weights' on the Blaze site.

I am 6ft tall and 85kg.

Just tired of being hammered by the Phantoms at our club and want to have a bit more fun (means I won't get class racing but you pays your money you takes your choice!).

Paul