first boat
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=5373
Printed Date: 07 Aug 25 at 6:45am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: first boat
Posted By: pritch90
Subject: first boat
Date Posted: 30 Mar 09 at 8:27pm
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hi. i have recently started sailing and i have picked it up quite well. i am currently being taught how to helm an rs500 after getting to grips with crewing it and helming a pico. i am now looking for my own boat to sail over the summer and wanted to know if an rs700 is for very experienced sailors or if it would be ok for someone like me. if not the rs700 what is a good, similar dinghy that may be easier to sail |
Replies:
Posted By: HannahJ
Date Posted: 30 Mar 09 at 8:39pm
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I would suggest possibly not an RS700 - they're for more experienced sailors! Do you want a boat to sail on your own or with someone? How big/heavy are you? Are you planning on joining a club? If so, have a look at what they sail there as it's more fun if there's a fleet to play with.
------------- MIRROR 64799 "Dolphin" The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist hopes it will change; the realist adjusts the sail |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 30 Mar 09 at 8:41pm
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I woud think with the greates respect if you have realy just started a 700 maybe a step to far, why dont you try wither a 600 or a vareo first, that way you wi be able to either get used to trapezing whist on the hem or single handed with the kite. ------------- |
Posted By: pritch90
Date Posted: 30 Mar 09 at 8:42pm
| im 6ft 2in and around 70kgs. i think i may join a club but im going to hav a look at where i will be sailing it tomorrow |
Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 30 Mar 09 at 9:56pm
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I have recently bought a 700 so can comment very well here. I have been sailing for 7 years, the first 4 constantly. Starting off with a Laser but also getting a hand in other boats but not a lot of trapeeze experience. (I.E I hd only crewed on a Cat a few times) I bought the 700 as I wanted to get myself back out on the water to give myself a thrill. If I was just "starting out" I would find the 700 a real handful. I have gone swimming more in the first few times out in the 700 than i did in the Laser. It is a wet boat and as I have lots of knowledge know how to improve my skills to stay upright. We here are in no way trying to put you off buying one but to be honest a 700 is rated by Y+Y as a 4 skill boat. A 2 star/skill boat would be more apprpriate like the Vareo or a Blaze. The best thing for you to do is to get yourself out on the water in a boat that will give you confidence and skills, allow you to understand what the wind is doing etc etc. As you are going to look at the sailing club, see what boats they sail, either from the boat park or from the results from the race series. (Where are you looking?) ------------- |
Posted By: pritch90
Date Posted: 30 Mar 09 at 10:06pm
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thanks very much. that is a lot of very useful information. im looking at getting a boat in rhosnigr in angelesy as i live reasonably close. i will look at the blaze and vareo now. |
Posted By: hollandsd
Date Posted: 31 Mar 09 at 8:26am
Pardon? 600????? the 700 is by far the easier boat to sail and the vareo is hardly a bundle of laughts up wind and certainly not fun at 70kg i would reccomend something a little more stable like a contender or even a hiking boat, although at your height you may find the boom on the contender a little low.
Dan ------------- Laser 184084 Tasar 3501 RS600 698 RS600 782 |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 31 Mar 09 at 10:15am
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I guess I'd say:-
1) Don't buy a new boat. Your first boat will probablly get a lot of abuse, so you don't want it to break your heart! 2) You're unlikely to know what your ideal boat is yet, so get something you can sell readily and don't agonise endlessly about the choice |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 31 Mar 09 at 10:32am
Yes but i meant it doesnt have the complication of a kite, if you learnt o swim round a 600 it would teach you so much more. They are also a lot cheaper. Its just an opinion Dan, but you are probably right a contender maybe a better option. Have you sailed a Vareo? I think its a great platform to learn single handed kite boats. I wouldnt want one, but it gives you a platform to work from and in the grand scheme of things it may be a good stepping stone. ------------- |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 31 Mar 09 at 1:43pm
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Pritch90, Don't be downhearted by the replies. the general concensus (and I would follow it) is that unless you are a particularly naturally gifted sailor you are going to struggle a lot jumping straight in to a 700. My advice would be to buy something where there is a fleet at your local club and sail that for 12-18 months. Get yourself up to a reasonably good level and make you feel comfortable. For your height and weight I would recommend something like a Laser as there will be plenty of people to help you out and give you tips. Then once you are comfy with sailing it and feel ready to move look at getting something bigger and better (people have made the transition from Laser to RS700 with very little trapezing appearance). Just my 2p, Paul ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: GraemeB
Date Posted: 31 Mar 09 at 3:01pm
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Don't expect any sensible advice here....find your local club talk to folk who sail there as opposed to post in forums Maybe start by crewing for someone, one of the best ways into the sport .. |
and they'll keep you right.