Choosing a boat: Single Hander/Double Hander

Single Hander/Double Hander

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
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URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9889
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 12:30pm
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Topic: Single Hander/Double Hander

Posted By: dohertpk
Subject: Single Hander/Double Hander
Date Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 7:37pm

Hey! I've been sailing for around a year and I'm thinking of buying a boat. I'm still very much a novice; I weigh 70kg and am 5ft 9. Ideally, I'd like something that's manageable and exciting as a single hander, but which I could also take a mate out for a spin in occasionally. Would such a thing exist? I learned on a Laser Pico and that, along with a few Lasers, get sailed in my club. Someone mentioned a Laser Vago to me...but they look quite pricey. The word 'tippy' has been thrown about as well; I don't mind getting wet but would I be totally out of my depth with something like that (excuse the pun)? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Replies:

Posted By: SoggyBadger
Date Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 8:20pm

I wouldn't call a Vago tippy (I've got a background in Merlins) but they might be a bit on frisky side for you ATM, especially single-handed. Really though, racing dinghies are designed for a certain crew weight range which is a lot less than the difference between one or two occupants. My advice is to look for something which will suit you for the majority of your sailing rather than worry about the once-in-a-blue-moon scenario.

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Best wishes from deep in the woods

SB

Posted By: dohertpk
Date Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 8:27pm

Thanks a mil for the feedback. So I guess what I'm looking for is an exciting but manageable single hander which has space for the occasional passenger...? Again, any suggestions appreciated.

Posted By: PeterG
Date Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 8:56pm

The RS Vareo was supposed to fit that bill, but I'm not sure anyone who has sailed one would agree (I never have, so don't take my word for it)

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Peter
Ex Cont 707
Ex Laser 189635
DY 59

Posted By: dohertpk
Date Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 9:03pm

Thanks PeterG, I'll have a look at that.

Posted By: SoggyBadger
Date Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 9:14pm

You might get away with taking a yougster out with you in a Vareo but I think it'd be too cramped at the front for an adult as the boom slopes downward and is pretty low at the front. Also i don't think that a single-hander with spinnaker would be a sensible choice for you at you current level of experience.

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Best wishes from deep in the woods

SB

Posted By: dohertpk
Date Posted: 28 Sep 12 at 9:18pm

ah. Don't think my girlfriend counts as a 'youngster':) Thanks again!

Posted By: Rockhopper
Date Posted: 29 Sep 12 at 8:50am

I sailed my vareo a few times with an adult in it and it was ok a bit nose heavy going down wind apart from that it was fine

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Retired now after 35 seasons in a row and time for a rest.
2004 national champ Laser5000
2007,2010,National Champ Rs Vareo

Posted By: Jack Sparrow
Date Posted: 29 Sep 12 at 2:53pm

I think I'd look at a Streaker.

http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/class/Streaker - http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/class/Streaker

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http://www.uk3-7class.org/index.html" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Class Website
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092602470772759/" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Building - Facebook Group

Posted By: bferry
Date Posted: 05 Feb 13 at 9:26am

I've sailed my Vareo 2 up a number of times (2 adults of around 70-75kg and around 5'8) Its a real blast especially when the wind is up. My only comment with your weight (same as me) is that 70kg is a bit light for the Vareo unless you buy the storm sail. I find it can be a bit overwhelming in a force 4+ with the main sail. Otherwise its a great boat and provides a good learning platform especially when you get the genny flying.

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Bernard
Vareo 249
Miracle 2818
Malta

Posted By: NickA
Date Posted: 25 Feb 13 at 8:03pm

You will either be overpowered single handing or under powered (and crowded) double handing.

Having said which, I single hand a 3000 I originally bought to sail with the (now grown up) kids, it's a blast. I did a couple of races at the 3000 Nationals one up (my crew was busy) and got about the same results as I got two up. A few people have sailed topper buzzes single handed too. I learnt to single hand trapeze on a laser 2 "fun".

The Vago is sort of an option too, and a few hard core sailors compete in them single handed (often with a jury rigged self tacker on the jib) but they are a lot less stable than the 3k or the buzz, whilst being quite heavy and much slower too, and getting out on the trapeze is a leap of faith!

A 3000 or a buzz, or an old laser 2 would be pretty cheap, Vagos coming down all the time (from £2500). All doable single handed, but be prepared to find a crew or sit it out if the wind gets strong .... and you'd need to learn to trapeze in more than F2.5.

If you wanted to try a 3000 and live in the midlands, PM me and I'll arrange you a go. A mate with a Vago might give you a sail too.

However, it sounds like you actually want a single hander with an extra seat,rather than a double hander you can solo, so the vario is (probably) all there is. Get the tiny sail, start doing sit ups.

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Javelin 558
Contender 2574