2 Man Boat for Fatties

Speaking as an ex-fatty there could be another issue. When I was 15.5 stone+ I was also bleedin clumsy and found crewing a B14 with my skinny brother really uncomfortable.

I think we need to define what sort of weight we're talking about: A, average build with lots of padding or B, large build with less padding. It makes a difference because if you are in category A and sail a high performance boat for long enough you will become just average build and may find you're lighter than you'd like for the boat.

I made this mistake, boy did I get a shock, but then its no fun if its too easy.  I was swimming 3 boat lengths off the shore the first time I sailed mine. 

I ruled out the B14 because of the bag launched kite, the fact that I would have to get a crew under 11 stone and also they don't really compete in light airs at all - you see the crews right up on the bows - and with my bulk at the back there would be no point.  I also think it would just be too fast on our lake.  There was one last season and I don't think I ever saw them with the kite up.

Could we define what we mean by a boat for heavy weights.

When people are talking about 25 st in a boat I presume they are talking about a single-hander ( or at most an adult and child boat!)

30 stone is only 190.44 kilos... is that heavy? In rugby terms that would be 2 modern centres sailing together! As an ex-second row (not very good), I would consider that a heavy weight boat should cater for 2 front five rugby players (front and second row) say twice 115/120 kilos. That gives a crew weight of some 230/240 kilos - 36/39 st. If you can find a third person light enough (can go down to the leeward side) you could sail a Dragon or an Etchells.

I have been convinced for many years that it is ISAF policy to transform sailing into a sport for children, dwarfs and anorexics. Could it be that it is this trend that contributes to the slow decline of dinghy sailing. As each generation becomes bigger (and unfortunately fatter) but stays fit and active far longer, surely it is time to start catering for the larger sailor.

Hiking fleets that provide quality tactical racing can attract more mature, experienced sailors...take a look at an International Snipe event (or, dare I say it the Ents/GPs, Wayfarers/Squibs... a public that may well not be attracted to a two-wire flying machine. It is surely time to provide them with a suitable boat!

Gordon

Gordon