Suitable dinghy for a small lake
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
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URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11767
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 6:26am
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Topic: Suitable dinghy for a small lake
Posted By: maxinsis
Subject: Suitable dinghy for a small lake
Date Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 8:11am
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Hello, I have just sold my double-hander (Lark) because of the lack of regular crew and am looking for a new dinghy. I've trawled through countless webpages but can't really decide, and would appreciate some help. I have been dinghy sailing for a year after having moved away from the ocean and yacht regattas. I quickly realized that these are two very different activities and am quite average, but looking to improve. I am quite fit and active on board and weigh around 80 kg. I am looking for a dinghy that I can single-hand, that is fun to sail in (not a brick), has some speed but is adapted to my local conditions. I don't mind swimming during my sailing sessions (did a lot of that at first). If I was sailing on a large reservoir, I wouldn't be posting here, I would get something that I can blast up and down. However, I am sailing in a nice little club that has a 40 acre lake surrounded by trees. The average conditions are very shifty winds (sometimes 180°: tack on a shift or die) around 6 - 12 kts. The courses set on a Sunday involve a lot of tacking as there is an island (narrow water) to get around. So to recap: I'm looking for a competitive, quick in light air (even if it means being overpowered on stronger days), nimble dinghy that I can single-hand for around £1K. It can be a single hander or a small double hander. The fleet is quite mixed at the club, we only do pursuit races. There are a couple of Solos, but I'm not overly keen about them. I'm going to be difficult by saying that I don't like Lasers either. Thank you for your input.
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Replies:
Posted By: iGRF
Date Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 8:53am
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Sounds like Supernova territory. ------------- https://www.corekite.co.uk/snow-accessories-11-c.asp" rel="nofollow - Snow Equipment Deals https://www.corekite.co.uk" rel="nofollow - New Core Kite website |
Posted By: Blue One
Date Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 12:40pm
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I sail on an even smaller lake. The single handers at our club are supernovas, comets,lightnings and our most popular single hander, the British Moth. All these boats would carry your weight well. The choice is yours, depending what's your priority. Do you want centre or rear main, stays or un stayed rig ? Deep cockpit or self draining?
Try googling these boats and see if you can blag a go in the ones you fancy. Also maybe think about d-zero/rs aero. |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 12:51pm
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The British Moth is a little bit of a Marmite boat, but reading your description, sounds ideal for your situation. Certainly worth a test sail to see if you like it. 'd certainly buy another if sailing on tiny water. ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: maxinsis
Date Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 2:21pm
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Thank you for your replies. My preference would be a boat that looks like a boat rather than an oversize windsurfer (I'm not meaning to sound offensive). There is a Comet at our club: I've taken it out several times - it doesn't feel right to me (especially that sail). To be fair, something along the lines of the Solo (but more responsive?) would be good - I was told that with 1000£ +-500, I wouldn't get a nice one though. Do you have any input regarding similar looking models like the Europe or the OK? In the double-handers section, do you think I could get away with a National 12 (I love the design of the Crusader)? Could you explain what 'a Marmite boat' means? I have recently come to live in the UK and haven't quite grasped all the expressions yet! Here is to get an idea of the space: http://s13.postimg.org/46akmwy6v/P1020471.jpg" rel="nofollow - http://s13.postimg.org/46akmwy6v/P1020471.jpg |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 20 Nov 14 at 2:39pm
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If you want a boat shaped boat which is value for money and lighter than a Solo, sail a Lightning! You'd get a very good one for the money. Marmite - love it or hate it. ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: patj
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 6:17am
| We also sail on a puddle surrounded by trees and the Comet is a regular winner. Others that do well on the water re the Supernova, Laser, Topaz, Solo and last week a British Moth joined and did well. Also the Graduate and Firefly are sailed single handed quite frequently or a crew can be added if available - but we have to sail a series all the same way to count the results! |
Posted By: maxinsis
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 12:09pm
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Looking at your answers, it seems to be that within the limits of a certain type of dinghies (ie. not the super fast skiffs), the model doesn't really matter as much as the person sailing it. If I think reasonably, it is probably better to get the boat that is the most raced at my local club - and improve by racing with the same start time. In my case, a Solo. Although I read a lot of bad things about it ("slogo"), the tactics of racing could be thrilling. And looking at the board the Solos are at the top. Sounds like I'm trying to convince myself... I would still like to hear how an OK would be in comparison. |
Posted By: Jack Sparrow
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 12:24pm
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Phantom ------------- http://www.uk3-7class.org/index.html" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Class Website https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092602470772759/" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Building - Facebook Group |
Posted By: iGRF
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 12:29pm
I've been needing an excuse to post this, I thought other than it's rig, it's a great looking boat.. ------------- https://www.corekite.co.uk/snow-accessories-11-c.asp" rel="nofollow - Snow Equipment Deals https://www.corekite.co.uk" rel="nofollow - New Core Kite website |
Posted By: kneewrecker
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 12:52pm
yes- go for it, a Solo will hold its value and you can make friends, have great racing and if you want something different or more exciting, get that in a season or two. Is that South Cerney SC by any chance?
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Posted By: maxinsis
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 12:54pm
A little further East: Kingsmead SC |
Posted By: Blue One
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 1:07pm
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Must say I'm with the op about comets. Some of my best sailing friends own them, but I just don't like the way it sails, especially down wind.
I would suggest trying the lightning. Old ones are very competitive with new ones and you get much more for your money than old solos. |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 1:52pm
More people get out of bed on a Sunday morning to race Solos than any other class except Lasers, so they must be giving enjoyment to a lot of people. And when I look at what boats people who mock Solos are sailing themselves, well... |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 2:20pm
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Have to say, if there are Solos, get a Solo. At least have a go in one before deciding on something else. You can read a lot of bad things about any boat - no boat is perfect, and if the non-perfect things happen to be the things that some people care about, then they will make them bigger than they really are. ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: kneewrecker
Date Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 6:01pm
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I genuinely liked my Solo, the boat was solidly built (which was most welcome) and the rig excellent- despite the 'tin' mast/ or maybe because of it... not qualified to judge. It just worked though... up until the point carry 20kg too much body mass kicked in and I got left for dead, that was harsh  If I were 80kg I wouldn't have sold mine.
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Posted By: balladsailor
Date Posted: 22 Nov 14 at 11:45am
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Mark Hartley's Supernova is fabulous ...... And so is the Byte C2 in the background! Great deals being offered at the moment ( see Supernova Class website)
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Posted By: rglew
Date Posted: 24 Nov 14 at 4:34pm
| Streaker? I do a lot of sailing on a small inland lake with plenty of shifts as well and the streakers always do well on their PY in our handicap races. |
Posted By: maxinsis
Date Posted: 24 Nov 14 at 4:47pm
| I thank you once more for your input. This Sunday, I took a Solo out under the pouring rain and light wind. There were 4 other Solos and I do say the racing was tight and quite exciting - I finished last but was hanging close behind the pack. In the gusts, I was able to hike out - the boat was fun to sail and easy to tack. I believe I have found an answer to my questions... |
Posted By: Littleton Sailing Cl
Date Posted: 26 Nov 14 at 1:19pm
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The solo was designed by Jack Holt to sail on just your sort of lake. It is possibly the most successful older class that is still thriving today. How many others can boast 100 new boats built every year. Yes you will need to pay more for a decent one, but your money will be well spent since they hold their value so well. The class also has a vibrant open meeting circuit throughout the country so if you want to travel you will never be far from a local regional open meeting.
------------- Littleton Sailing Club www.littletonsc.co.uk |