Singlehander for short fat person
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
Forum Discription: Ask any questions about the sport!
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1720
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 1:58am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Singlehander for short fat person
Posted By: glewis
Subject: Singlehander for short fat person
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 9:48am
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Would like some views on what I should have as a singlehander:
1. I'm 5'4" and weigh 12 stone 2. Will be racing on inland lakes mostly, but may be further afield when time allows. 3. Would like something quick, but cannot devote the time to learning how to sail a '700 or Musto Skiff (dammit!) 4. Have a Laser, but am not a great fan to be honest.
Have seen a Red Eye Solution which looks very interesting, but am wary of buying somehting that's so new to the market - I also dont have 5 grand!
What do people think? |
Replies:
Posted By: BBSCFaithfull
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 10:55am
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umm how much you looking to spend? What are you looking 4 hiking or trapeze? How fast are you looking to go. I personally think youd be better of with a 600. Lets qut it this way, they're awesome fun, there single handed and there cheap!! ------------- Greatfully Sponsored By www.allgoodfun.com Int 14 GBR 1503!! |
Posted By: phantom871
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 10:59am
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Streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaker!
Nice boat! ------------- If its bent pull harder |
Posted By: Barty
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 11:01am
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I would have a go in a Supernova. A new boat costs just over £3k and you can get good boats for £2k. Faster down wind that a Laser and much more forgiving. Good on lakes or the sea and a very friendly bunch of sailors. Website http://www.supernovadinghy.org/ - http://www.supernovadinghy.org/ ------------- http://www.highlandtopper.com - For Topper boats & spares in Scotland-highlandtopper.com |
Posted By: glewis
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 11:52am
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Thanks Gents:
1. RS600 - like trapezing but not very good at it as a crew. Would take same amount of time as a 700 and I think the lake I will sail at is a bit too small. 2. Streaker...........sorry, fell asleep there. Only joking, not sure about them. 3. Supernova - have seen a few but did not think they were popular.
BBSCFaithfull - I want to go very fast please! But as I say, trapezing skiffs will take up too much of my time to learn to sail competently otherwise I woul dhave a shiny Musto Skiff or '700! |
Posted By: Olly4088
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 12:25pm
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You could always try a phantom. they are quick and more fun than a laser.
------------- Phantom 1298 |
Posted By: glewis
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 12:26pm
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Olly Was thinking of a Phantom, but thought I was a bit small?
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Posted By: Olly4088
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 12:33pm
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Not at all. Im sure that you would survive. My brother used to sail mine at 13 stone and not much taller with ease and he used to only want to go out in a blow. It is an awesome boat to sail even if you dont but one make sure you have a go i have had 2 and would prob still have one but my mrs made me sell it to sail with her If you want to know anything about either class PM me and I will be happy to answer and questions. ------------- Phantom 1298 |
. It's all good. the other alternative is a Solo, i have also had one of these and they are a good challenging boat to sail and go well in handicap open fleets.Posted By: Scooby_simon
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 1:15pm
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Size of lake ?
An inter 17 might be a little too fast if you have a small lake to sail on.... ------------- Wanna learn to Ski - PM me.. |
Posted By: glewis
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 1:17pm
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100 acres - Leigh and Lowton
Inter 17 - umm, yes , could be a bit too big. Used to sail at Grafham and have seen these things go. |
Posted By: Scooby_simon
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 1:23pm
Then you were pobably watching me... ! Mine is for sale....... ------------- Wanna learn to Ski - PM me.. |
Posted By: Black no sugar
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 1:59pm
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Leigh and Lowton! Whatever you get, make sure all detachable parts are superglued... It appears things go walkabout in your club. Such a shame... ------------- http://www.lancingsc.org.uk/index.html - Lancing SC 
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Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 2:06pm
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How about a Blaze? I would say you are too light for a Phantom in anything over a F4. The Blaze is much more forgiving and much more fun. It is not really hard work even in a F6-7 (just keep the bow up). Take a look at http://www.blaze-sailing.org.uk - http://www.blaze-sailing.org.uk or http://www.huntssc.org.uk/gallery.asp?pageid=1174 - http://www.huntssc.org.uk/gallery.asp?pageid=1174 for some pictures of your truly sailing in a blow. You might want to conside and RS300 if you are fit and nimble (py of 1000)! Whatever you do get a test sail in whatever you intend to buy. ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: Ian29937
Date Posted: 05 May 06 at 2:22pm
| Vareo? |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 06 May 06 at 5:14pm
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Having just thought about it, there is someone at my club who's pretty much the same build and he seems reasonable well suited to the vortex. Its relatively simple to get to grips with, potentially offers good speed and will work to your build with ease. |
Posted By: Phat Bouy
Date Posted: 06 May 06 at 9:07pm
Doug - it seems to me that a lot (not all) have a grudge against any boat that they do not sail themselves on this forum.  Have a go in whatever you fancy and if it puts a smile on your face, then all the better ------------- Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho |
Posted By: Strawberry
Date Posted: 06 May 06 at 11:26pm
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If any of my comments about the Vortex have put you off, then I apologise. I don't like the boat, but that is personal thing. It's just not my cup of tea. I'm sure it's a very good if that's your kinda thing. Only way to be sure is to give it a go. ------------- Cherub 2649 "Dangerous Strawberry |
Posted By: glewis
Date Posted: 08 May 06 at 9:33am
| Thanks for your help, I shall consider all the options (and look at the bank balance!) |
Posted By: tack'ho
Date Posted: 08 May 06 at 12:47pm
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I would say the RS 300 is as hard to sail as a 600, in fact I found it harder. although there was at least a 5 year gap between each boat. ------------- I might be sailing it, but it's still sh**e! |
Posted By: Contender 541
Date Posted: 08 May 06 at 1:08pm
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Something that has not been mentioned is the Contender (I know I am biased). Easier to sail than either a 600 or 700, and with similar performance to the 600. You also have the advantage of knowing that the class has been around for 50 years. You could make an arguement that the 'new' classes will not be as the amount of new classes are diluting an over popuated field (but that would be a discussion for a different thread) ------------- When you find a big kettle of crazy it's probably best not to stir it - Pointy Haired Boss Crew on 505 8780 |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 08 May 06 at 2:18pm
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 |
Posted By: dics
Date Posted: 08 May 06 at 3:50pm
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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. |
Posted By: glewis
Date Posted: 08 May 06 at 3:57pm
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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. |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 09 May 06 at 9:51am
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 - 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 ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: glewis
Date Posted: 09 May 06 at 9:56am
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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 |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 09 May 06 at 11:53am
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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 ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: Daredevil
Date Posted: 09 May 06 at 1:36pm
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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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Posted By: Darty
Date Posted: 08 Sep 06 at 10:39am
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Ok, so where do I find a Blaze in the East Midlands then Been looking for some time. Paul 07812 197967 |