Zoom8

they sail e'm in UK, Ireland, Dubai, Japan, France and Germany

They are an ISAF class, but not sailed absolutely everywhere.

To be fair most classes have small entries at the UK Nationals compared to the Topper (the notable exception being the Optimist). However the Laser 4.7 had a good turn out last year (over 50 at the Nationals) and an improving circuit. Nationals turn out in 2005 may be slightly down due to the Nationals being in School time and clashing with Europeans but do not let this 'blip' worry you!

In terms of being a truely international class the Laser 4.7 wins hands down, just compare the number of sailors from different countries at the World and European championships. As for training things are in the pipe line and should be much improved for the 2005/2006 winter training. The 4.7 of course makes the perfect stepping stone to Olympic single handed classes (Radial for girls, Standard for Boys).

Chris 249

That's a man ahead of his time! Look at the date of his last posting!! So tell me, how was the summer 2005? Hot and sunny? What about the various sporting events? No don't give the results here, send me a PM so I can go down to the bookies later!

Thnx

I've seen those Zoom8's out in Denmark, they look very good boats. They are alot better than Laser 4.7's which are silly boats. The Laser 4.7 has far to small a sail for the size of the boat. The boat wasn't designed to work well with a 4.7metre main, it was designed for the Full Rig.

The Zoom8 is almost as light as an an oppy 40kg all up and a 4.8mertre main is a far better design. I have seen them sailing and they looked like a perfect stepping stone from an oppy to laser, or just miss out the oppy all together. The design is a bit similar to the europe only smaller.

I would sail one if I wanted to sail lasers and I had just started sailing.