RS Q'ba

feva sailor....im sure i see you mention that you sail a 29er in most of your posts.lol

OK – firstly, I think that the Q’BA is an excellent boat, mainly due to it’s versatility. It is very comfortable, and it is great to sail.

The choice of sails (large/small and jib) provides a great deal of flexibility with regards to wind speeds.

 

However skslr, your post was looking for information about light wind capabilities:

I am 80kg, and just about 10cm shorter than you are. I have lots of room in the Q’BA (yes, I sail one!) and I certainly  don’t have any problems in light winds.

There is so much “deck” space in the Q’BA that I can very comfortably sail the boat in light winds lying down! Once on a run, if I’m being really competitive, then I’ll kneel up so that I can get my weight as far forward as possible.

The gunwales are roomy and rounded (no need for hiking pants!).

 

Webmuppet is right about the Q’BA – it is very much like a Pico, but with numerous design improvements. The Feva really isn’t anything like the Q’BA at all (it’s a youth boat, that doesn’t sail well single-handedly, and it’s unstable in comparison. Plus, without the asymmetric, the Feva is slow).

 

Speed-wise, the Q’BA is not fast. Don’t expect it to go fast, but do expect it to be comfy and stable. The handicap is, as yet, uncertain, but it isn’t a bandit. RS have been recommending a trial number of 1260 for the small sail, and 1220 for the large sail. However, I have been racing the Q’BA this year and I, the Q’Bas designer and my club have reached an agreement that a trial number of 1230 (for both the large and small sail) seems accurate and “fair”. I have a jib, but I do not use it – yet.

The Q’BA will just about keep up with the Laser Radial in light airs with the large sail, to give you an idea of speeds. Obviously, a well-sailed Radial will beat the Q’BA easily, even on handicap, but at least you can get out of the Q’BA and walk at the end of the race!

 

[The RS Vareo has been mentioned – I beat our Vareos on the water (usually), that’s without the handicap!] 

Regarding Feva: On the tiny places I am thinking about asymmetric kites will be useless in most wind conditions.

That rules out the Vareo too !.......perhaps the Laser/Rooster 8.1 would be a decent choice ? I've just got that very combination but I've only limited experience in the Laser so I don't think that I could say that it's 'just the thing' until I've got used to sailing mine........however, so far, so good !

Nigel

Originally posted by Medway Maniac What's the handicap of the Q'ba? Got to be at least 7% slower than a Laser according to my estimates, except in light winds if you use the 1.2 sqm (!) jib as well. But as soon as the boats are moving, the Laser must walk away from it. I'm surprised nobody has suggested you try a Laser 8.1, especially for Wednesday night sailing.

Could you explain the background of your estimation, please?
( For me to learn, I cannot claim to know better!)

Waterline length must be less, but the big sail has got similar area and potentially better shape , gelcoat surface maybe a bit smoother than PE - what do I know?

Laser Standard or 8.1. is the obvious choice, but...


Regarding Feva: On the tiny places I am thinking about asymmetric kites will be useless in most wind conditions.

What's the handicap of the Q'ba? Got to be at least 7% slower than a Laser according to my estimates, except in light winds if you use the 1.2 sqm (!) jib as well. But as soon as the boats are moving, the Laser must walk away from it.

I'm surprised nobody has suggested you try a Laser 8.1, especially for Wednesday night sailing.