singlehander

i am changing boats from a 29er to a single hander and i am not sure weather to go for an rs vareo for the challange of 2 sails or a solo because there is always 4 or more solos out racing so i would have some one to race against.  
any thoughts?

Where do you sail? I got a Solo because there are 54 at HISC, and the quality and depth of the fleet is superb. Typically I can race 20-25 good boats at the w/end, and it is so close, you can't beat it: it's toned up my starts, tactics and boat for boat skills no end, BUT it isn't exactly the most exciting boat to sail. If the other boats are very similar standard to you, and good enough to push you, then great, otherwise you might actually have more fun in the Vario in a handicap fleet, particularly if there are other boats of a similar speed. I have won a good few races at the club, but if I get the start or first beat wrong, there are times I'm glad if I'm in the top 10, so it really keeps you on your toes, but if your boat is much newer/older than the othes, or if they are off the pace for some reason, I wouldn't bother! The Solo is great if you need a boat to nurse your poor old bones, too, but if you're coming from a 9er, I guess that's not an issue

Re weight, the wavelength rig is for lightweights, but I would say min 11 stone to compete in all weathers (might be less inland). I think I read the optimum for the Vario was 11 1/2, but that seems light to me!

Edited by Rob.e

Get a 300, 75 kg is great, especially if you're tall and fit, and they are so much fun! Blaze 720 will say "get a Blaze" (any minute, I expect); never tried one, but they look good too.

i am quite tall about 186cm, but i sail at northampton so no other 300s although could i get a good race against a phantom ,  what am i looking at coughing up for a secondhand 300?

Will Gulliver sails a Phantom out of Northants, doesn't he? Former 300 nat champ, and a good sailor...I think between £2500 and £5000 for a 300 depending on age, but an old one is just as quick. They are rare as rocking horse shhhh erm, shavings, though! Same problem with a contender, and I found the 2nd hand section of the contender site very out of date, when I looked. Vareos are easier to find, hold their value well, and should be easy to move on if you change your mind. I think your weight would be fine for Vareo or contender, and your height would help. Only problem with the contender is they aren't great in light winds so as you are inland that might be an issue on handicap: but you might be enjoying it so much, you won't care!