A new class of dinghy?

Originally posted by turnturtle   The singlehanded format was what really interested me with the Icon - I don't think there's been any really good large single handers which can handle an occasional crew properly, or vice versa.... certainly not in monohulls.   Now there's probably good reason for that so far, but it's a design attribute that I don't think I'm alone in wanting to see available.  I'm also guessing for those with NS14s and using them singlehanded, being quicker than a Laser really wasn't that much of an objective - it would have been versatility from just one boat.  But if as I suspect, anything similar in the Northern hemisphere it would be a bit of billy no mates class - especially within the context of local club racing, then it would need to have enough about it in terms of sailing experience to really make the transition from whatever the local fleet race option is worth it.

Originally posted by RS400atC   Who are all these people looking for 2 person, 2 sail boats? Between the Firefly, N12, Ent, Tasar, Albacore, Laser 2 (original base model, +/- trapeze), a few rotoboats and the Icon, there are plenty of choices? Or you could take any spinnaker boat and agree a 'white sails' yardstick. Yachts do this sometimes.

Picture the seats on EPs.
Wonder what they are saying ? Would make a good caption competition

Maybe I'll let you know what trapezing the Blaze is like before the end of the season. I have the bits but haven't yet set it up as I've been enjoying 'Vanilla Blaze' so much this (windy) summer. I even won a race at the holiday club for the first time in a few years. I did get the (jury rigged) kite up on it again but F5 was a little ambitious and I binned it straight away (GoPro footage available if required) and managed to trash the home made chute pulling it down. I did get it flying briefly last year and it does transform the marginal wind reaching. I would still vote against a kite for racing though (and wires instead of racks) as it moves the Blaze a little further away from average sailors like me. 

Originally posted by Sam.Spoons I'm assuming you liked it then Graeme? I was out in mine in F5-6 again last week, just blasting but great fun. Two mates now have them in Anglesey and love them. WRT trapezing in the light why not remove the wings off the EPS or buy another Blaze, Halo rig and wings in the trailing position and you could still race it in standard setup?

I know this, had I been using it instead of my EPS I'd have won the race instead of finishing 3rd on handicap. But yes my next plan was to remove the wings, they look quite heavy things, (and stop the 'it looks like a toilet seat jibes') and put carbon tubes in their place which would provide seating for light weather and a better foothold to trapeze off, maybe I can end up with something nearer my ultimate desire. One boat does it all, I wish.

Edited by iGRF - 03 Sep 18 at 8:11pm