Albacore v Kestrel

   Looking at purchasing a new dinghy for club racing and it has come down to either a new Albacore or Kestrel 2000.
I am a heavy helm sailing on the sea. I have sailed the Albacore before but not the Kestrel
Would be grateful for any information to compare the boats.
Cheers
Corms

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Corms Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 20 Dec 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 63	Post Options Post Reply Quote Corms Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Albacore v Kestrel Posted: 29 Aug 10 at 4:01pm
	Looking at purchasing a new dinghy for club racing and it has come down to either a new Albacore or Kestrel 2000. I am a heavy helm sailing on the sea. I have sailed the Albacore before but not the Kestrel Would be grateful for any information to compare the boats. Cheers Corms
	Neil

Andymac Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 04 Apr 07 Location: Derbyshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 852	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andymac Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Aug 10 at 5:02pm
	Obvious question back is how much do you want a spinnaker, or not? Kestrel + spinnaker Albacore - spinnaker I'm afraid that's as far as I can go, since I have no experience of either boat. Oh, and you could have started this thread in the 'choosing a boat' thread...perhaps Mags can move it for you. Edited by Andymac

JohnW Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 17 Jul 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 552	Post Options Post Reply Quote JohnW Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Aug 10 at 4:29pm
	Hi Neil, Its a long time since I sailed a Kestrel but I can provide info on the Albacore. As pointed out the Alb does not have a spinnaker, but with fully adjustable rig there is still plently for the crew to play with, or you can still sail comfortably with a less experienced crew. Albs can certainly carry weight and were designed for the South Coast, so they are very at home on the sea. If you PM me with your location I can try and arrange a trial sail for you. John Albacore Southern Rep. Edited by JohnW

Alan B Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 31 Aug 10 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alan B Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 31 Aug 10 at 11:18am
	Hi Corms, I only purchased my Kestrel last year, and I've been doing all the Opens this year. The Kestrel crowd are incredibly friendly and if you have any intention of racing I can certainly recommend attending these meeting. The next one is in two weeks time at Netley (Southampton), so if you're in that part of the country why not come along and have a look. I've not sailed an Albacore so I can't compare, but the Kestrel is a powerful boat in a blow, and sails very well in light winds. The spinnaker adds interest, and an added dimension to master. I guess the best way to choose is to have a go in both, if you let me know whereabouts in the country you are I can put you in touch with someone. Meanwhile the Kestrel website has loads of useful information. cheers, Alan

Barty Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 16 Mar 04 Location: Scotland Online Status: Offline Posts: 240	Post Options Post Reply Quote Barty Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 31 Aug 10 at 12:23pm
	Corms is 30 minutes North of Inverness
	For Topper boats & spares in Scotland-highlandtopper.com

Corms Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 20 Dec 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 63	Post Options Post Reply Quote Corms Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 31 Aug 10 at 1:14pm
	Hi As Barty pointed out I am a long way North, I have had a shot of an Albacore over the last 4 weeks after selling my Finn, which I have enjoyed but fancy having a spinnaker for a bit more fun downwind. I have provisionally bought a 2009 Kestrel, I just have to try and get to Kent to pick it up. So I will find out what like it is fairly soon.
	Neil

Alan B Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 31 Aug 10 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alan B Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 31 Aug 10 at 11:15pm
	I guess Southampton would be a little far to travel ! Good luck with the purchase, there's a strong Kestrel fleet at Royal Tay YC, Dundee.