Choosing a boat: Returning to sailing, 80kgs

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Returning to sailing, 80kgs

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=7783
Printed Date: 07 Aug 25 at 11:06am
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Topic: Returning to sailing, 80kgs

Posted By: Will already taken
Subject: Returning to sailing, 80kgs
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 10:50am

Hi everyone

We used to own a family Mirror which I have sailed in the sea and on lakes (15 years ago).

I'm now looking to start sailing again. I never had much (any) formal tuition, so considering doing RYA 1 course this weekend - does anyone know just how basic this is?

Main question is what would make a good solo boat. I'm 80kg, quite fit. I liked having 2/3 sails on the Mirror, but have no sailing friends yet and am guessing it's easier to turn up and sail a solo boat than try and organise crew.

I live near Brent reservoir, which has two sailing clubs on it (Seahorse and Wembley). I don't know what the difference is between them. I read somewhere that you can't use trapeezes on this lake (I don't know how anyway).

Sorry to ramble, hopefully there's some information in there which might let someone help me.

Many thanks

Will

Replies:

Posted By: andymck
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 10:58am

At the Welsh Harp they limit the types of boats you can sail. If my memory is correct the only single hander is the laser.

Andy

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Andy Mck

Posted By: bert
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 11:24am

If you can,go to each sailing club & speak to the members,see for yourself what the club offers & feel the vibe,One may "feel" alot more suited to you then the other,also you will see the class`s that other people sail at the clubs & talk to the members.

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Phantom 1181
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Posted By: GybeFunny
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 1:35pm

I used to be a member of Wembley SC. You are limited to certain classes on the welsh harp.

If you want to sail a GP14 then join BTYC/Seahorse and sail on Saturday when they get good turnouts, if you want to sail a merlin, MRX, Laser, Rs200 then join Wembley and sail on Sunday mornings.

The only single hander allowed is the laser, there is a good fleet that race on Sundays (15+ boats). The club also does training and new members clubs to help introduce you to the racing. At 80kg you are a good weight for the laser so my reccommendation is go down on Sunday lunchtime, watch a bit of the race and speak to a laser sailor afterwards and go from there.

In my opinion there is no point in your travelling further to a larger lake, as a beginner a larger lake will be wasted on you. I say stay local as that gives you more opportunities to get on the water.

Posted By: GybeFunny
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 1:38pm

I forgot to mention Wembley SC own some lasers that are free for members to use. I say join Wembley, try and get a crewing job on a merlin/rs200 for a few weeks to get your hand in and then try out a club laser.....

Posted By: Will already taken
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 1:54pm

Thanks everyone. It seems given my location a Laser is the natural choice.

Has anyone done RYA level 1 here? It's £190 to do at Wembley, I'm keen to mix in and meet people, and always like learning from others, but if there's not much time spent on the water I would be a bit frustrated.

Posted By: rogerd
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 2:55pm

If you used to sail a mirror and were used to three sails you will probably find RYA 1 pretty basic. I returned to sailing after 20years and its like riding a bike you dont forget how just need to freshen up the technique.

Posted By: rogerd
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 2:58pm

I meant to add save yourself £190 and get on th water you will find you havent forgotten much.

Posted By: GybeFunny
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 4:49pm

I agree with rogerd, get a crewing job for a few weeks and observe what your helm is doing, then maybe get your helm to crew for you in one of the club RS Visions as it will be more forgiving than whatever boat you end up crewing. Then maybe try a club laser in one of the new members club afternoon sessions and then you can probably progress to joining in with the racing on a suitable light wind day. They have a busy wednesday racing series so you could pop along tonight if you wanted a look.

Posted By: Menace
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 5:28pm

Your level one is basically a quick familiarisation of a boat. That first sail sort of thing. Save £190 and go straight on to a level two course if you really want to go on a course. There may be some merit in doing so as a quick structured refresher, especially if you plan to sail single-handers.

Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 27 Apr 11 at 9:33pm

HannahJ (a member on here) sails and teaches sailing at Welsh Harp, I will email her and she will be best to advise. Hannah sails GP14's from Seahorse and I am sure there are limited boats that can be sailed here.

I am sure Hannah will be along shortly.

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