Southern Fleets
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=4612
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 10:27pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Southern Fleets
Posted By: Jamesd
Subject: Southern Fleets
Date Posted: 05 Sep 08 at 9:57am
| Looking for a new class. not too fussy at the moment, the only criteria is that it needs to be 2 man, good circuit and have alot of events on the south. any ideas? looking to find some really good competion at opens really. |
Replies:
Posted By: Contender443
Date Posted: 05 Sep 08 at 10:23am
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I think the RS200 has the most open events of any 2 handed class with national and local circuits per region. ------------- Bonnie Lass Contender 1764 |
Posted By: MerlinMags
Date Posted: 05 Sep 08 at 10:50am
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The Merlin Rocket fleet have a fair percentage of open meetings in the south, as well as good club-level representation at various spots.
In 2008 we have/had sea meetings at: Hamble, Shoreham, Salcombe, Chichester, Hayling Island, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Whitstable, Looe, Parkstone. Inland we visit several Thames clubs, plus Wembley, Datchet and Queen Mary. We call the Merlin "the ultimate hiking dinghy for two people – refined over 60 years of development". It will definately fufill your desire for really good competition as the fleet sail to a very high level! http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/ - www.merlinrocket.co.uk |
Posted By: Jamesd
Date Posted: 05 Sep 08 at 11:54am
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we are too large for the 200 competatively. The merlin is something weve looked at, whats the weight limit for one? |
Posted By: furtive
Date Posted: 08 Sep 08 at 4:56pm
| How about the Laser 4000? Fits all your criteria, most of our events are south or midlands. Also weight equalisation means that you'll still be competitive at the heavy end of the spectrum, and lots of bargains available. |
Posted By: ASok
Date Posted: 08 Sep 08 at 5:12pm
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Have you considered a Dart 18? Have a look at http://www.dart18.com - www.dart18.com for the class website. The travelling circuit is arguably the best reason to get into one of these boats.
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Posted By: Guest
Date Posted: 08 Sep 08 at 5:32pm
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How much do you weigh and what is your local club? ------------- |
Posted By: MerlinMags
Date Posted: 09 Sep 08 at 10:09am
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The Merlin has a very wide range of crew weight, since you can pick a hull design that suits you! As the wind picks up the lightweights can rely on the raking rig to depower effectively.
Anywhere between 20-27 stone (combined!!) is competitive, don't believe anyone who says you HAVE to be 23 stone. Best step is to http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/regions.asp - try a merlin at a club near you, and let the boat do the talking, rather than us trying to argue the case! |
Posted By: Jamesd
Date Posted: 09 Sep 08 at 1:04pm
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we probably weigh in at about 24 stone. from the iow, but not looking to club sail, just another boat to get onto the circuits with and get some good quality racing. so were pretty central south coast and we happily go anywhere 3hrs away from southampton and do as much as we can further away. is there still a merlin fleet in the hamble river?
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Posted By: tmoore
Date Posted: 09 Sep 08 at 1:24pm
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im surprised nobody has mentioned the rs400. not sure what the competative weight for them is but i have sailed one in light wind and they are beautifully balanced and nice to sail..... ------------- Landlocked in Africa RS300 - 410 Firefly F517 - Nutshell Micro Magic RC yacht - Eclipse |
Posted By: Guest
Date Posted: 09 Sep 08 at 1:36pm
In that case a Merlin looks a good option; the only trouble will be getting your hands on a decent boat .... ------------- |
Posted By: Jamesd
Date Posted: 09 Sep 08 at 7:12pm
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Lol already have one. i completely agree with everything you say though. i am thinking Merlin alot. think im gonna have to find someone to have a chat with |
Posted By: tmoore
Date Posted: 09 Sep 08 at 9:51pm
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my apologies then no offense, but have you asked your crew about changing from an assymetric to a symmetric kite? i know mine would slap me if i even joked about it ------------- Landlocked in Africa RS300 - 410 Firefly F517 - Nutshell Micro Magic RC yacht - Eclipse |
Posted By: MerlinMags
Date Posted: 10 Sep 08 at 12:13pm
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3 hours from Southampton would be ideal for a Merlin. The Hamble fleet is no longer (for club sailing), but the fleet visit Hamble every year for the Warming pan, it gets a good turn out.
http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/secondhand/default.asp - Secondhand MR list http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/clubs_events/list_events.asp?year=2008 - 2008 fixtures list |
Posted By: ASok
Date Posted: 10 Sep 08 at 1:11pm
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Don't want to harp on about the Dart 18, but if you are based on the IOW you could sail to a number of events each year. Netley and Stokes Bay are regulars on the circuit. Then you have the likes of Parkstone, Eastbourne, Shoreham, Whistable, Datchet, Weymouth etc. that all crop up regulary on our circuit. The Dart can be sailed comfortably with the trolley over the front and all your gear in dry bags or double bagged in bins bags! There is a member of the fleet that is based over your side of the Solent and travels single handed a lot. I'm told he has even sailed over to Parkstone for an even. Fair play, I'm normally tired for the drive home at the end of an event let alone a sail home. Just something to add to the confusion of decision making
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Posted By: Silverlode
Date Posted: 10 Sep 08 at 9:35pm
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You should also consider the Scorpion. South coast meetings at Sidmouth, Lyme, Castle Cove, Lymington and Netley this year. Inland, Datchet, Chipstead and Chew Valley would be within 3 hours of Southampton. See class website and nationals gear guide for an idea of competitive crew weight - mostly 22-25 stone but some lighter. Choice of competitively priced foam sandwich or wooden hulls and older boats are not outclassed by the latest ones so second hand boats are a serious option. ------------- Scorpion 1995 |