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Singlehander for short fat person
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Rupert View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more


Joined: 11 Aug 04
Location: Whitefriars sc
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Posts: 8956 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Singlehander for short fat person
    Posted: 08 May 06 at 2:18pm
Originally posted by Contender 541

 

You also have the advantage of knowing that the class has been around for 50 years. 

Not quite that long (1968 Olympic trial design) but certainly longer than the Trapezing compitition. There is one being sailed at Whitefriars (Similar sized lake) by a guy who must be about the same weight as you, and he flies. Good sailor, mind! Well worth a go in one.
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
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dics View Drop Down
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Posts: 317 		Post Options Post Options   Quote dics Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 06 at 3:50pm

Try a RS300. Not as hard to sail as people think it's just you have to sail properly - so it will make you into a better sailor. They are a bit wobbly at first but nice and wide at the back so you can just sit at the back of the boat, get used to how sensitive it is and gradually work forward to increase the boat speed as you get confident. A very strict one design so no worries there which also keeps prices and running costs down. The prices haven't really shifted in the few years and look to remain static of the future so probably won't lose out there.  Look at RS300.com to see where they are and for contacts on test sails.

Also check Blaze & Phantoms.
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glewis View Drop Down
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Posts: 79 		Post Options Post Options   Quote glewis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 06 at 3:57pm

all of these are good ideas

 

1. Phantom, nice boat, good fleet, still think I am a bit small.

2. Blaze - looks good, am not sure how much they go for second hand.  They have a new style of sail dont they?  Wasn't it changed from a fully battened sail becuase they were a pig to gybe downwind?

3. Contender - I like these and know they fly about, also bulletproof.  May not be 100% suitable for a lake with marks that are tight up against the shore, but definitely a possibility.

4. RS300 - had a good on one of these in Minorca on holiday, wobbly, but quick, really enjoyed it.  Bit of a learning curve but have a think about one of these as well.
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jeffers View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Mar 04
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Posts: 3048 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jeffers Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 06 at 9:51am
Originally posted by glewis

2. Blaze - looks good, am not sure how much they go for second hand.  They have a new style of sail dont they?  Wasn't it changed from a fully battened sail becuase they were a pig to gybe downwind?



You are correct the sail was redesign so there are not 2 full battens at the top and then partial battens down the rest of the leech. All boats should now have the 'new' style sails as the old ones are not class legal (although may be fun for messing around with). Second hand boats go for aroun £1600 for a converted Mk1 all the way up to £5,000 for a new Blaze X. I paid £3600 for my Blaze X in January of this year but it had everything with it including a nice new sail.

The converted Mk1s are as fast as the X's they just have different racks.

Having had mine for a while now I can say I am glad I made the switch and now I am getting used to the boat the Phantoms need to start looking out for me.

If you want more information take a look at the class site at http://www.blaze-sailing.org.uk and have a nose round the for sale section, there are some bargains to be had if you want a Mk1!

If you want a test sail let me know where you are and I will speak to the class and see if there is anyone near you. You may be quite surprised.

Paul

PS as for the gybing, with the 'new' sail it is a question of technique, you just need to keep the speed up in a blow and be across before the battens pop and the power comes on.
Paul
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glewis View Drop Down
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Posts: 79 		Post Options Post Options   Quote glewis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 06 at 9:56am

Paul

Thanks for that information, very useful.  I am up North about 20 miles West of Manchester.  I would very much aprpeciate the chance to have a go in one if that's possible.  Can travel if there's nothing around.

 

Regards

 

Giles
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jeffers View Drop Down
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Posts: 3048 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jeffers Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 06 at 11:53am
Desperate tries to remember hi 'ooopp north' geography.

The are a few at Blackpool and Fleetwood, some at Glasson and some at Bala.

I will ask on the Blaze group and see what else there is round there....

Paul
Paul
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Daredevil View Drop Down
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Posts: 6 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Daredevil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 06 at 1:36pm

Hi, I sail a blaze at leigh in the winter with two / three others and think it's the boat for you.  I have sailed a contender and rs600 at leigh and found the wind a little too fluky.

We have fleets at Bala, Blackpool, Burwain and boats scattered all over the NW.  We had 17 boats at Bala last weekend (See Y&Y Report) and expect over 50 at the Nationals again this year.

You will normally find a converted Blaze X on the class website for under £2K and I know of a Championship winning boat for under £4K that is about to go on the market.  For a test sail at Bala most weekends or for info on secondhand boats, contact me off the blaze class website contacts list.

Good luck in finding the right boat for you.

Dan

Blaze 668

Northern Rep.

P.S. I'm short and fat too!!!. I was a member at leigh for 5 years and never had anything stolen and never heard of anyone else loosing anything either.  I think it was an isolated case of someone leaving the gates open! oops!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Darty View Drop Down
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Joined: 08 Sep 06
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Posts: 9 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Darty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 06 at 10:39am

Ok,

so where do I find a Blaze in the East Midlands then   Been looking for some time.

Paul 07812 197967
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