I am an experienced dinghy & windsurfer sailer with 30+ years experience of instructing, mainly in windsurfers, Wayfarers, Toppers, Picos and the like. I retired before the modern generation of fast dinghies were around so little experience there but from racing windsurfers in the past, I do know all about planing and handling strong winds.

Grandson is now getting into sailing and we have bought him a Topper. I want to be able to go out sailing with him, initially 2 up so I can be happy he knows the basics and then be saiing close to him while he is in his own boat.

I consider myself pretty fit & agile for my age (67), weight is about 90kg (ideally could be a bit less!)

So, requirements are for a boat that:

1. Can be sailed helm & crew but can then also be sailed singlehanded (I have sailed Wayfarers single handed in the past)

2. Must have good turn of speed to have a bit of fun out on the water which is why I have been attracted to the new generation of fast planing dinghies ( bit like windsurfing sititing down)

3. Must be capable of being launched/landed single handed easily on a beach

4. Must be either GRP or plastic - no wood anywhere!!

5. Doesn't break the bank, lets say £1500ish max but that must include a road trailer

Have gone round in circles with this, ranging from a Laser 1, Laser 2, Laser Vago, Topper Sport 15, Topper Topaz variant, RS boats etc etc . Also considered boats like the Wanderer but too heavy for point 3 above.

I realise that no one boat meets all these requirements exactly but I am looking for the best compromise.  Any suggestions welcomed

The two up and singlehanded question comes up time and time again and suggestions are always varied and numerous. It is simply a difficult circle to square and everyones aspirations vary so much that "one man's meat can be another man's poison". 

After much deliberation I went for an RS Quba. It is easily big enough for an adult and child or two small adults but is very much a singlehander if required. Great for sailing with my grandson two up and then as a singlehander when he is in his Topper.

Also the boat has an optional jib and choice of mainsails. very easy to launch and land single handed. Made of plastic so far more robust than a Laser 

I managed to get a secondnad one that came with the full Mylar race rig + jib. However, I then bought a new sport sail from RS which is reefable, slab reefing if you are using the jib and rolls around the mast if not. Very happy with the choice so far.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Does anyone know where I can get a laser EPS from or if any of you know someone with one for sale.

Thanks,

Ollie

Hi, thanks for the quick reply, do you have his email?

Thanks,

Ollie