Hi everyone,

According to the Noble database, the number is 1065:

http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/boats/dinghy/Redeye-Solution/ - http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/boats/dinghy/Redeye-Solution/

Alan Gillard raced the Solution in the recent West Riding S.C. Regatta and came third in the Handicap Fleet.  There are some photographs on the club's website.

Ian  (Yorkshire Dales S.C.)

Why's that then?

Solo

RYA Yardstick - 1155

Sail Area - 8.36sq metres

Supernova

RYA Yardstick - 1062

Sail Area - 8sq metres

The above is why work it out for yourself

So because the Solo hull is a very dated and slow shape, and heavier, (and arguabley a handicap bandit), that makes the Supernova a bad boat? I don't think so sonny!

You also seem to have failed to have taken into account the fact that Yardstic is based on returns, not estimated potential max speeds.

Rupert I have sailed both and much prefered the solo which i kept untill my mrs said that she was boared and wanted to start sailing again.There are lots of them at the sailing club that is just up the river from mine and they seem to do ok. 

I must make people aware that this is only my view i'm sure people have views on the boats and what I am saying. 

The Supernova is easily one of the best sorted dinghies I've sailed. The hull is beautifully driven, and wonderfully comfortable. The rig is very efficient and controllable, by lines which are lead to both sides of the cockpit. The class is also supported by a reliable manufacturer and a passionate class. I can't understand why you have this personal vendetta towards the boat.

Remember don't post like a twat.

The Supernova is essentially a Laser with all the bugs removed but the RES is a Phantom light.

I can see the market difference. In fact when I was considering a classes when changing from Sea to Pond I considered the Supernova because on paper it seems to fit the bill (I was 15stone(+) and wanted a fastish/cheapish hiker) but seeing them close up and sailing they just didn't do it for me. If the RES was around then I'm fairly sure I would have got one.

Some boats look great on paper but just have something missing you can't put your finger on - for me that's enough not to like it. Olly's gone to the trouble of sharing their opinion on something why can't you accept that?

I really am struggling to understand what the problem is here.  I just dont like the boat, I dont like the hull shape the pattern on the deck and for me it needed to have a bit more power lots of little things now is that good enough

Just read this bit very good. Lets not start being silly now. 

Thanks Matt, Strawberry it seems im not the only one who thinks that you should drop it.

I think this is what strawberry means!!

Hardly the balanced and considered view which after questioning you have proffered.  Two options as far as posting is concerned:

a.  Post unsubstansiated (sp? BNS) comments and expect to be called on them or

b.  Write long emails every time justifying your opinion.

6 and 2 3s really!

This thread is likely to be read by thousands of people. I'm sure many people use the forum as a reference to find information on particular topics, even though they would never post themselves. Such a person may be someone who know's very little about sailing boats, but is considering buying a Supernova. They may search the forum for views on the Supernova and read:

From this they may get the impression the Supernova is a bad boat. When infact it is an excellent boat, but Olly and Matt appear to have a personal grudge against it, simply because "you don't like it". When you cant actually describe what is wrong with it. I'm simply trying to give the boat a fair trial.

I hope this clears things up for you and puts an end to the matter.

I`m not sure how to put this so you understand I dont have a personal grudge against the boat I just dont like it.  A grudge would imply that I go out telling everyone to not to buy one.  I dont do that and once again dont have a grudge or vendetta against the supernova I just dont like them. simple. 

I hope this now finnaly puts an end to the supernova argument.

I have sailed a Supanova, and I have to agree with Olly, it promises alot but never quite delivers.

I think it has something to do with the fully battened main which just dose not work with the rig.

But that is just my opinion I know other people who love the class its horses for course.

As for nationals attendance see bellow 38 last year down from 53, No numbers in the report for this years event (might have been low)

(IMO) no-one would dismiss a boat on a comment like this unless they agreed with it. I don't have a personal grudge about the boat, I think it's ok but no more (a bit lame is a fair approximation of that). This is my opinion. I stick by it and you can accept it or not, I don't really care.

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(IMO) no-one would dismiss a boat on a comment like this unless they agreed with it. I don't have a personal grudge about the boat, I think it's ok but no more (a bit lame is a fair approximation of that). This is my opinion. I stick by it and you can accept it or not, I don't really care.

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Thats what I wanted to say in the end but couldnt be arsed anymore

Originally posted by Matt Jackson Yeah. But at least we're getting an idea of who does "...post like a tw@t"

Is it the guy who makes the wild remarks with no justification? Or the guy who trys to give the boat a fair representation?

I thought you wanted to put this to bed?

I think my query on the post has been answered somewhere in all that lot - ie the "lame" bit didn't actually refer to the performance statistics at all, but was an opinion on the feel of the boat when sailing. That I can quite understand, as there a some boats which I just "didn't get on with". In fact, the Supernova was one of them, as was the Solo. And the Laser, come to that, and tens of thousands of people think different, so who am I to say!? On the other hand, I rather like the Lightning 368, which I've heard described very unfavourably in some quarters, and own a British Moth, which has to be one of the most daft little boats around. I just happen to like the feel...

Would love a go in the Solution one day, though, but as it costs more than a bus ticket to buy, will be a while before I could "try before I buy" as it were.

Looking forward to seeing the solution at a big open to see how My 300 fairs against it.

 Also I think the supernova is a great boat and fantastic value for money the guy who designed it did a great job and the current promoters of the boat Hartley Laminates are promoting the boat well and giving it god all round support maybe laser, topper, RS should take note what they are doing.

I dont see how people can rate a boat by looking at the stats and not sail one. I have done that a few times and been deeply disapointed and sorry to say i did'nt really like the Cherub or the 420 but thats my opinion. Probly comes down to the pond i sail on.

 Hey Jeffers.  Did you get to the Blaze nationals last weekend? 48 boats. Great turn out for a fantastic boat.  I think if a manufacturer designs and builds a boat, they should stick with the class until the end.  The blaze will probably be better off without topper but it causes uncertainty.  I sold my blaze a few months back for a vortex (Better off without laser!!! ) because i wanted a kite and can't afford the 700 or musto skiff!  I'm glad i did now, The vortex is a fantastic boat with a high performance feel to it.

I think to describe a boat as a bit lame is fine if you only enjoy sailing high performance boats.  It's like a solo sailor saying an rs600 is a bit mental.  Fair comment but no real reflection on the boat itself. as some people enjoy lane/mental boats.  Am I wrong in saying that the Supernova is the best value new boat available. at nearly 3K for a new boat.

Having sailed a Supernova for 7 years I can strongly recommend it as being far from lame. At £3500 brand new, cover, combi, sails etc etc; what a bargain.

It sails well in all conditions, both on inland and coastal waters.

great association, good circuit, great builder.

Probably the best TRUE one design single hander on the market today.

Don't get hung up on it, it was a throw-away line (despite what others have made of it) and it's just that the Contender is the slowest boat I've sailed in 20 years. I'm sure some think it's great but for me it lacks something.

I do rather fancy a Solution though and it looks like good value even at ~£5

Dare we suggest it ....  The Solution sail was directly inspired by the BLAZE one that RedEye had a good look at over the past 12 months, even entering the Blaze Nationals with the Sobstad original and making a Blaze 'training sail' which looked very nice as well !  You are quite right its a much more refined shape .....

If you are not convinced have a look at the Blaze website - we've been using the Sobstad one since 2000 now.

Blaze 720

I think you've put your finger on it there, it's the rig (on the Supernova) that doesn't seem right. Fully battened sails just don't work on all boats.

Re: Topper and GRP boats - this has been known for at least two weeks really quite widely - and was announced by Topper on several class forums so hardly a great secret.

I can speak at least for the Blaze with authority and can assure all that there is certainly a very bright future indeed ahead. There are already been SEVERAL exressions of interest by other builders to the design rights holders who are in any case independent of Topper. 

Topper get a lot of knocking from many on this forum but as a company over the years they have transformed the market - first with the original Topper which introduced modern plastics and in the 90's when they were behind the SMOD revolution in the UK that has led to a radically improved market.  That they now are returning to their plastic roots is not surprising for those who know the sector as that's where the big money is to be made.   They, and the design rights holders of the GRP boats are however ensuring that changes in manufacturer are being done it in an ordered manner, and that those boats that warrant real investment by others will for sure get it now !  As just one of the classes involved we now expect to grow even faster in the future.

Mike '720'  Blaze Class Association

PS - Now where were we ? - Oh yes - the Solution sail .... its still a cut down BLAZE one as mentioned  before the attempted derailing of topic ! And the Solution is all the better for it .... I like it as well but I do prefer my 'zimmer frame'

Strawberry i have just read this whole thread and really you are sounding like a complete fool.  First of all a Forum is a place where someone can express their views and opinions that is why it is an open forum! Therefore olly can say exactly what he likes about the supernova as after all it is only HIS opinion.  The supernova is a good boat for people that can't compete in large fleet racing such a Laser, solo etc or are on a tight budget.  The fact is y friend that if you have ever raced in mixed handicaps with them then they are MILES of the pace.  I think you are being more then a little harsh personally attacking Olly for putting accross his point of view.  Its very easy to be balshy and gobby on a forum but having known olly for a long time i doubt you would be so aggresive to his face.