Which catamaran for my 14 yr old son?
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=12042
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 2:51am
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Topic: Which catamaran for my 14 yr old son?
Posted By: sailingmad
Subject: Which catamaran for my 14 yr old son?
Date Posted: 10 Jun 15 at 7:59pm
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My 14 year old has been sailing cats for a year or so now (dart 16s) and is becoming very proficient so wants to get his own boat to race etc. There don't seem to be any dart 16 races locally so could really do with some advice on what boat to get for him. Is it a spitfire and if so, are there any available (as I cant find any on the web).? If not, are RS cats or Topper Topaz cats any good? Would really welcome some advice. Many thanks
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Replies:
Posted By: pondlife1736
Date Posted: 10 Jun 15 at 9:21pm
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If he wants to race others with the same class of boat then the best chance is Dart 18 (2 up) or Sprint (Dart) 15 (single-handed) as these have the biggest fleets nationally. The Spitfire is another performance level with twin trapeze and spinnaker. Check what is raced in your local clubs, as this will have a big influence on the choice. If there are no significant fleets around you, he will be sailing on handicap anyway, so the choice is wider.
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Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 10 Jun 15 at 10:46pm
My son has sailed Dart 16, Topaz 16 and RS Cat, and was surprised to find he liked the Topaz best, though the RS one looked like it should be. I don't think he found much between them, and I'm sure they are less fun than lighter weight, more racy boats like the Spitfire, but it depends what he wants from it. In dinghy terms, they are the RS Feva, sort of.
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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
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Posted By: ASok
Date Posted: 11 Jun 15 at 1:17pm
Parent / child combinations work really well on the Dart 18 and you have decent numbers of them down in Cornwall. I know the class would really welcome a youth helm. They normally have youth prizes at the bigger events, so a bit of trophy hunting to be had there, which would keep him interested.
Otherwise the Sprint 15? It might feel a bit dated compared to the others you've mentioned, but could be a good fit and are pretty cheap.
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