What Winter Project

I am looking for some advice for a new  boat for my son and I to sail. Only problem is, is that it has to be cheap as the budget has been blown on other expenses.

I am what you would call and advanced novice in sailing terms. What I mean by that is that I can sail around a course tacking and gybing and am comfortable in wind up to F4, usually bringing up the rear of any race we may enter.

I returned to sailing (helming) properly this year after a very lenghty lay off. In recent years I have crewed in a GP, old merlin and I have had a go in a couple of solos we currently sail a miracle but we only get to sail every other week or so on a tidal estuary so have not had that much time to practice

I am 6 foot and around 16 stone (it is slowly coming off) and my son, who has just completed his RYA beginners course. is 12, 5ft 4in and around 9 stone and still growing. He is also looking to helm with me as crew.

The miracle is great fun, but is a little small for the two of us so I am looking for a slightly bigger boat that is cheap to source and I can restore/refurb over the winter. The list I have in mind at the moment is: GP (heavy), old weight carrying merlin (smokers?), Albacore, N12 (I know small but looks good fun), Enterprise or possible something like an old Osprey.

Which of the above would be the best bet to learn and race in?

Thanks for any comments

A budget would really help.  I wouldn't buy a 12 at your size, GP is a good shout, they carry weight well and there are plenty of them around so second hand parts are easy to come by.  Albacore again would be perfect, and is a lovely boat to sail.

If you are considering racing i would recommend older wooden versions as GRP variants are floppy and heavy.

At that budget most glass boats will be horrible. Wood boats have potential but can be maintenance hungry. People who like Merlins tend to love them, but they have their downsides too, go sail one or two and see if you like them or not... Albacores are not light, but probably best at the weight... Basically you need to blag a ride in as many different types as you can to see what you like...

Albacore would get my vote.....smashing boat and suprisingly quick.

I've got some video somewhere of an Alb doing quite well against a Alto.

Edited by GK.LaserII