Dinghy help needed.

Hi folks,

I'm after a bit of help selecting the right boat so I'll give you all the info I can that might help you to help us. If I've missed anything then let me know and I'll add it.

I used to sail and race a Laser many years ago as a teenager.... I'm now 40 and sold it over 2 decades ago. I'm a very very active 40 year old and physically fit. I still compete at judo and physically train at least 7 hours a week. I fight in the under 81kgs category so hover in that weight bracket.

My eldest son has begun sailing Laser Picos through his school over the last few months and is really loving it. He fights in the under 56kg category but is at that stage where he is growing fast so seems to go up a weight band between every comp' these days!

He and I would like to buy a boat that we can both sail together and at times alone (probably not often alone though).

Neither of us are interested in competing really at this stage.

Both of us want to go as fast as possible and work hard....we're both still kids in that respect!

There are a couple of clubs local to us at Farmoor and Standlake, Oxfordshire and I used to be a member of Standlake when I had my Laser.

I really don't want to spend a lot until we decide that we both want to continue sailing for a few years and then I'd be happy to make an investment. We have so many hobbies and sports and so little time over all. Again this leads me away from racing as we have other loves that will undoubtedly come first. (sorry people)

My skills at DIY in fibreglass and woodwork are pretty good but I'm leaning towards GRP overall for it's longevity and ease of maintaining, as long as you don't smash it too hard.

I think I'd like something with a main sail, Jib and probably a spinnaker to learn as I've never sailed with one.

Sorry for all the info and long post but hope this will help you to help us make a sensible decision and save you from having to ask too many questions.

All advice is gratefully received.

Thanks in advance folks.

Flip2892

Whats your budget? Dont forget clothing, that can also add up.

At your combined current weight, price requirements, construction, sail plan I would suggest a Laser II

It has the simplicity of the laser, can get athletic in a blow, has a spinnaker (symmetric) that can be removed if you don't need it. On a 3 sail reach in anything more than a force 3 is damn good fun, it's like a go-cart with a trapeze. The spinnaker does require a higher level of skill, dexterity and teamwork than most of the modern boats, a skill worth learning IMO though. It's easyish to repair apart from damage to the front and rear of the dagger board slot, look out for that if you buy one.

Down side: there is currently no active class association so Open events are not an option. A good boat for club racing should you decide to go down that route. They can be an arse in shifty gusty conditions so small pond clubs are not ideal for this boat.

The asymmetric version of the Laser II (Laser 3000 (edited to correct typo)) is another option.

Edited by transient - 05 Dec 15 at 4:04pm

aye, indeed I did. Thank you that man :-)

Again thanks for the advice and suggestions. Rich96 thanks for your advice and this is something I do need to think about carefully and discuss with the eldest.
Thanks
Flip2892