Choosing a boat: Albacore v Kestrel

Print Page | Close Window

Albacore v Kestrel

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=7079
Printed Date: 07 Aug 25 at 7:12pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Albacore v Kestrel

Posted By: Corms
Subject: Albacore v Kestrel
Date Posted: 29 Aug 10 at 4:01pm

Looking at purchasing a new dinghy for club racing and it has come down to either a new Albacore or Kestrel 2000.

I am a heavy helm sailing on the sea. I have sailed the Albacore before but not the Kestrel

Would be grateful for any information to compare the boats.

Cheers

Corms

-------------
Neil

Replies:

Posted By: Andymac
Date Posted: 29 Aug 10 at 5:02pm

Obvious question back is how much do you want a spinnaker, or not?

Kestrel + spinnaker

Albacore - spinnaker

I'm afraid that's as far as I can go, since I have no experience of either boat.

Oh, and you could have started this thread in the 'choosing a boat' thread...perhaps Mags can move it for you.

Posted By: JohnW
Date Posted: 30 Aug 10 at 4:29pm

Hi Neil,

Its a long time since I sailed a Kestrel but I can provide info on the Albacore.

As pointed out the Alb does not have a spinnaker, but with fully adjustable rig there is still plently for the crew to play with, or you can still sail comfortably with a less experienced crew.

Albs can certainly carry weight and were designed for the South Coast, so they are very at home on the sea.

If you PM me with your location I can try and arrange a trial sail for you.

John
Albacore Southern Rep.

-------------

Posted By: Alan B
Date Posted: 31 Aug 10 at 11:18am

Hi Corms,

I only purchased my Kestrel last year, and I've been doing all the Opens this year. The Kestrel crowd are incredibly friendly and if you have any intention of racing I can certainly recommend attending these meeting. The next one is in two weeks time at Netley (Southampton), so if you're in that part of the country why not come along and have a look.

I've not sailed an Albacore so I can't compare, but the Kestrel is a powerful boat in a blow, and sails very well in light winds. The spinnaker adds interest, and an added dimension to master.

I guess the best way to choose is to have a go in both, if you let me know whereabouts in the country you are I can put you in touch with someone. Meanwhile the Kestrel website has loads of useful information.

cheers,

Alan

Posted By: Barty
Date Posted: 31 Aug 10 at 12:23pm

Corms is 30 minutes North of Inverness

-------------
http://www.highlandtopper.com - For Topper boats & spares in Scotland-highlandtopper.com

Posted By: Corms
Date Posted: 31 Aug 10 at 1:14pm

As Barty pointed out I am a long way North, I have had a shot of an Albacore over the last 4 weeks after selling my Finn, which I have enjoyed but fancy having a spinnaker for a bit more fun downwind.

I have provisionally bought a 2009 Kestrel, I just have to try and get to Kent to pick it up.

So I will find out what like it is fairly soon.

-------------
Neil

Posted By: Alan B
Date Posted: 31 Aug 10 at 11:15pm

I guess Southampton would be a little far to travel !

Good luck with the purchase, there's a strong Kestrel fleet
at Royal Tay YC, Dundee.