Curtains for Assymetrics?

Originally posted by L123456 Originally posted by yellowwelly <span style="line-height: 1.4;">And there is also the emergence of the Icon, which is one very nice ship; not withstanding the N12 which seems eminently well positioned to be the quality performance boat for lightweight couples, youngsters and parent child combos.  </span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;"></span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;">I think the "</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">emergence of the Icon" is only significant on this forum, how many boats are there sailing world wide???</span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;"></span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;">It looks a nice boat but I don't think it has made much impact on the sport ... yet ... </span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;"></span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;">As for assy kites ... well I believe they have been around for 100s of years and will probably continue to do so ...</span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;"></span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;">There were many classes that jumped on the assy bandwagon that were duds and those are now in decline or dead ... ISO, Boss, 4000, 5000, 700 but others are still going well. </span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;"></span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;">The nationals attendance table is a very raw metric; especially for international classes or classes that have a road trip to Garda/Como in that year.</span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;"></span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;">If you have a boat that is very fast like a Moth or an A class then they don't need kites but for </span>moderately<span style="line-height: 1.4;"> fast </span>planing<span style="line-height: 1.4;"> boats a kite will always improve performance and provide entertainment.</span>

700's having an excellent year thanks. RS had to find some additional build slots to fulfil the orders.

Cheers

Ian

There's a very nice Osprey just come onto the Facbook dinghies group- it does look a nice boat, almost like a slightly more sedate 505... I can see the appeal

A fine boat. Might feel slightly more sedate (=stable) than a 505 but don't underestimate its speed, can beat a 505 on the water. Smaller spi is far better for round the cans. Far greater value for money, far less complications, and does not need regular buying of latest inventions. You sail it, rather than drain your bank account.

Only had the Osprey this year, haven't discovered any handicap hot/ weak spots yet. Seems to go well all the time. Its certainly not schizoid in Contender/ 420 fashion, seems to be an all rounder. Also equally good on sea and inland, and carries weight very well.

It would also be good for taking out kids, if that helps you create time. Many have furling jibs, so you reduce sail easily, but still have a fast boat. Its heavy enough to be stable, unlike most 90s onwards designs, but is v fast for its weight. I think its probably the long LWL as you say. £5.5k is a bargain for a Hartley, or you could buy an older wooden one for about £1-2k. The seller is a fellow Solo sailor, no doubt you'd get on!