Boat snob

Originally posted by vscott And every owner will promote their own class

Nah, don't get a Contender they're rubbish.

Thanks for the great responses. I sail at Chichester.  They have a very active Solo fleet, like most clubs several Lasers and then an assortment that make up the handicap fleet.

Solo does look rather dull though perhaps I can be convinced that pipe and slippers are not compulsory!

Yes, my laser sailing has been all on holiday boats so probably not a good representation of the breed though I still feel laser could do with an update from scratch rather than just incremental changes - sort of a Pico with more punch. I did wonder about the Rooster 8.1 mod though.

I like the RS300 but wonder what the learning curve is like on one and how much wind I could cope with.  Stability doesn't look to be on the menu of features.  Chap at RS said it is a lot more extreme than the RS600 for example.

The Blaze ticks a lot of my needs so is certainly on the shortlist.

Perhaps Phil I should also take a look at the Vareo again despite the sl*gging it gets here.

Streaker looks pretty but rather high on PY at 1162 which is even higher than the Solo at 1155.

The Solution is very appealing though I have not seen one in the flesh.

Phantom still loks rather a beast.  Similar sail area to the Blaze but without the wings to help keep the power under control by getting out far enough.

RS300 more extreme then a 600!!! Think the guy got a bit mixed up to be honest. There is a learning curve to the 300 but once you get reasonably good you will be able to sail pretty much anything competitively as it teaches you everything and punishes you when you cock up but you just know when everything goes right.

Still chewing over the options.

Quite keen on the Vareo because of spinnaker and capability to take a passenger. Very much like the Blaze and the Solution. Dismissed the RS300 as being unsuited to the erratic winds we get at Chichester.

These are all great boats but relative to older designs like the Phantom and Contender they are quite pricey.

In particular I notice you can pick up Contenders for peanuts.  How do they compare with the modern boats mentioned?  I have never helmed from a trapeze but it looks more comfortable than hiking and better able to cope with more power.