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Single-hander for estuary sailing
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    Posted: 29 May 15 at 1:53pm
Hello

I'm new to the forum - so hello!

Apologies, if this sort of question has been asked a million times..

I'm looking for a single-handed dinghy. I sail on the Alde which is a fairly tight and quite congested estuary. I like to race (i am by no means any good, but enjoy it nonetheless). Most races will contain an upwind, against the tide leg which means you have to keep to the banks and tack a lot. These are handicap races, the fleet usually consists of a Laser radials, Comets, Fevas, L2000s etc.

I got back into sailing 3 years ago (after sailing as a teenager), i'm probably intermediate level (at best). I'm 40, relatively fit, but quite inflexible (so higher booms are better), 72-75kg, 6ft. 

I'm currently sailing a Feva, which whilst fine, i'd like something a bit quicker which doesn't require me to have 4 hands (the gennaker can be fun but a lot of faff when you are on your own).

So my list of wants are:
 - a bit more performance
 - agile
 - simple to rig
 - a little bit more of a challenge to help me improve, but not so much as to put me off!
 - relatively modern and comfortable

So after this lengthy intro, my question is; what shall I get next ?  My short-list so far is:

- Supernova - I really like the look of this. The only cons; supposedly doesn't point so well (which could be a problem when hugging the banks)? Am I the right weight for it? No others at the club.
- Laser (radial) - pros: lots around, cons: quite uncomfortable (IMHO)
- Solution - looks good, but very few around
- Streaker - ?
- Byte cII - i'm probably to big?

Any other suggestions or reviews of the short-list above? I've got up to £2.5k max.
thanks
Dave
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Woodburner View Drop Down
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Posts: 332 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Woodburner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 2:29pm
I don't think there are any pointing issues with the Supernova, it's got a full batten sail which can give issues that some folk are not comfortable with but it seemed to go upwind just fine the couple of times i've used it.
However of your list the Solution I'm going to recommend because of it's centreboard and your close proximity to the bank of the river and likely underwater obstacles you could encounter. It also tacks sweeter than a nut in fact its forte. Weightwise you're well within either it or the Supernova's range, I think the Streaker and Byte are probably a tad on the small size, there is also the ubiquitous Solo, but everyone will immediately assume you're old and incontinent should you be foolish enough to even consider one plus the moment you sit in one as I have on the odd occasion it will immediately suck the charisma from your very being and you will be attacked by spiders resident in the wood.

I hope this helps.
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Rupert View Drop Down
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Posts: 8956 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 2:51pm
I'd say take a good look at the Lightning 368 as well before making a decision.
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
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Jon711 View Drop Down
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Posts: 465 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Jon711 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 3:39pm
The Streaker class Chairperson is just up the road from you at Oulton Broad, should be pretty easy to organise a test sail with her...

Jon
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Woodburner View Drop Down
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Posts: 332 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Woodburner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 3:42pm
Notice how nobody is denying what would happen to you if you considered a Solo. LOL Wink
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Posts: 240 		Post Options Post Options   Quote iiiiitick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 4:00pm
Although my inclination is to promote Byte Rupert is probably right. look at Lightning 368....the quickest boat to rig ever!
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iiiiitick View Drop Down
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Posts: 240 		Post Options Post Options   Quote iiiiitick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 4:06pm
Originally posted by Woodburner

Notice how nobody is denying what would happen to you if you considered a Solo. LOL Wink

Having owned a Solo for a couple of years 'buggerer.....I object to your attitude, it made me the man I am today. Old and crippled.
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Posts: 12 		Post Options Post Options   Quote LBT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 4:10pm
Thanks for your advice. The fact the Solution has a centreboard really does appeal, shame I can only see one for sale on ApolloDuck at the moment..  Agreed, Solo is not for me!
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Posts: 12 		Post Options Post Options   Quote LBT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 4:11pm
Originally posted by Woodburner

I don't think there are any pointing issues with the Supernova, it's got a full batten sail which can give issues that some folk are not comfortable with but it seemed to go upwind just fine the couple of times i've used it.
However of your list the Solution I'm going to recommend because of it's centreboard and your close proximity to the bank of the river and likely underwater obstacles you could encounter. It also tacks sweeter than a nut in fact its forte. Weightwise you're well within either it or the Supernova's range, I think the Streaker and Byte are probably a tad on the small size, there is also the ubiquitous Solo, but everyone will immediately assume you're old and incontinent should you be foolish enough to even consider one plus the moment you sit in one as I have on the odd occasion it will immediately suck the charisma from your very being and you will be attacked by spiders resident in the wood.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for your advice. The fact the Solution has a centreboard really does appeal, shame I can only see one for sale on ApolloDuck at the moment..  Agreed, Solo is not for me!
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Posts: 12 		Post Options Post Options   Quote LBT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 15 at 4:12pm
Originally posted by Jon711

The Streaker class Chairperson is just up the road from you at Oulton Broad, should be pretty easy to organise a test sail with her...

Jon
Cheers I've found her details from the Rooster site. I'll try and organise and test-sail.
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