New PY Numbers

Originally posted by Paramedic At a very simple level and if you have enough dosh for a new, or nearly new, boat look for a boat that has undergone big changes in rig or construction, but is preferably a one design. A class where you either have a newish boat or don't bother turning up at open meetings if winning is your intention. Fireball Any of those have the potential to be very good pothunters boats, there are undoubtedly others!

There's very little difference in speed between a 10 year old Fireball and a new one - nothing significant has changed since the mid nineties, so most of the potential gain has gone there. This is reflected in the handicap which has dropped from 995 to 982 since the new handicaps came out.

The key to "doing well" in a handicap series is to use a boat that's consistent across a range of conditions. This also gives you the best sense of achievement, as if you do badly you can't blame the wind or course "not suiting the boat"

To be honest, you never can really get a decent handicap race between boats such as the 29er / B14 etc against GP14s / N12s etc as once the 29er, B14 etc get going properly they'll sail a lot faster than their handicap, but in the wrong conditions (light) will probably struggle to keep up with the 12s on the water!

Handicap racing is always a compromise - you're far better off sailing a boat that doesn't quite "suit you" if there is a fleet to race against at your local club, rather than always blaming the "wrong conditions" for your boat going slowly.

If you look at the results of the "Bloody Mary" and the "Tiger Trophy" over the last few years it is obvious that the problem of best boat overall is insoluble.  At the Southport "24" G.P.'s win when it blows and ents when it dosent. Larks look fast but struggle for results. Just sail what you like and do your best!

A furballer admitting its a bandit handicap. I bet you wouldnt say that on the fastsail site or with Steve G nearby.