Single-hander for estuary sailing

Just a quick post to say thanks for all the responses. I bought a Solution in the end, and after 5 outings, i can say i'm very happy with it. I'm sure with the handicap i'm going to be even further down the pecking-order when racing,  but I'm having so much more fun sailing it, i don't really care. Anyway, thanks all for your input. All the best.

Hi Dave,

On the East Coast you are surrounded by a hot-bed of International OK sailing. For a 40 year old, 75kg+ sailor there are few better boats available.

There are a fair few boats just down the road sailing on the Deben. There are also fleets dotted around the East Cost which include Waldringfield, Brightlingsea, West Mersea, Felixstowe Ferry, Ardleigh and Up River - plus we all get together for some great fleet racing at Alton Water over the winter.

Then we can get started on the international competition (Worlds in Poland 2015 with 98 boats entered so far, Quiberon 2016, BARBADOS 2017, Germany 2018 and Auckland 2019) and the standard of the fleet sailing the boats (Nick Craig, Jim Hunt, Charlie Cumbley... the list goes on).

Boats are readily available with a number of fine examples up for sale currently.

If you want to have a go then give me a call at Synergy Marine (01473 809298) and you can test sail my boat at AYC for a weekend - I might even be able to deliver it!

Cheers,
Simon

Yes. 

In a formula one race I'd not expect 1 formula one car, one Le Mans car, a classic ford Escort Mexico, a Mazda MX5 and a Ford Galaxy, which is roughly what a handicap race is. The Formula one thing is more like the Merlin Rocket fleet - design ideas round a pretty tight set of rules. Same with bikes, running shoes (unless someone is going to use DMs) and even snails - I'd not expect someone to bring a millipede.

Tape them up n replace them later.... Besides its only a temporary measure until our club gets its proper fleet of Zeros or Aeros.