boat for windsurfer

What do you weigh, Alex? For all dinghies, but especially single-handers, there is quite a narrow band of optimum weight, particularly because you plan to race.

I'm not sure all of Hector's suggestions are really suitable for someone who hasn't sailed dinghies before, albeit an experienced windsurfer. For example, International Canoes are extremely tricky to sail. Contenders and Musto Skiffs are helmed while trapezing, which is a pretty steep learning-curve for a first-time helm. I say this as someone who also made the transition from short-board windsurfing to dinghy helming.

My first dinghy was a Europe. At the time I was 10 stone; Europe competitive weight is around 10-11 stone so it wouldn't really suit you. They are lovely responsive boats though, and at the time had a good open circuit. Later on I sailed Merlin Rockets, dabbled fairly unsuccessfully with a International Moth, and also did a lot of keelboat racing.

My recent sailing has been in keelboats of various classes: inshore and offshore (long distance) racing. However I still own a Merlin Rocket.

RS300 could be a good choice at 83kg. Laser would be another obvious choice, with class racing at most clubs. There is a great deal to be said for buying a boat with class racing at your local club; a point that perhaps hasn't been emphasised enough here. If there is a class at your club, you have an automatic social and advice network, and class racing is much more satisfactory than handicap.

buying a single handed racing boat for me seems a good idea, esp. one that has a good amount of racing at local clubs.  I think I'll have to start there and see what the club at farmour has to offer.  I know lasers are popular due to the racing but are they good fun to sail if not racing?  Would I be wanting a fun/mess about boat aswell?  Are the laser vortex's good fun? Fast?  Or is a single cat like a hobie 15 better?  So many questioons when you're starting and thanks to evryone who has been patient with me and answering.  It really does help hearing different opinions. 

A social life attatched to racing may encourage the wife to participate, so the laser racing may help me there too.

Nicks comments about Lasers are spot on - especially the comparison with gocarts. Shame he had to spoil a sound post by saying

A Vortex cramped - surely you're joking Nick? There must be more deck space than any similar sized boat and a high boom.  To then say a Vortex can't tack and suggest a Dart 15 (Sprint) in the same breath is ludicrous. Vortex tack very well - there is a technique to be learnt but then there is for any boat and once mastered they tack as fast as almost any singlehanded dinghy of the same speed. 

As for fun, with the new kite Vortex are lots of fun and very fast. That said I'd still say go to Farmoor and if Lasers are the most sailed class - get one.

And Nick - don't listen to 'apparently' he obviously knows nothing.