RS Aero vs Laser

5 foot 10 and sail an Aero. I can't say I relate to other comments about spending a lot of time on your knees. For starters I don't know how you'd have the necessary fast mobility that way. Comfortable to hike, no but I don't think comfort and hiking go much together. Tuning the hiking strap length is important, I initially set mine up with far too much slack.


Edited by blueboy - 29 Aug 16 at 7:37am

I agree with you totally, Simon. The problem is I sail at one of those ' more places' that you mentioned.

It is 26 months and 157 UK locations ago since 1001 Jim 

Liked the Zero to sail. Well sorted sail which looks great. Slightly strange when you sit in the boat and you see the bow narrowing down so quickly. Makes the boat seem shorter than it really is. Upwind, bow kissing the water, all powered up was perching hard in fairly light winds. Certainly a boat that will reward fitness, but felt nice. Bear away and the acceleration is wonderful. Go too far off the wind and it gets a little dull, but I'm sure in company the tactics would have kept me amused, same as any boat.

What didn't I like? Oddly, not sure I liked the rounded decks as much as the tanks with a corner taken off approach. The dagger rudder had to be raised and lowered with exactitude, which was tricky at times. And I must admit, the cockpit from the inside looks a little boring compared to the hull from the outside.

I enjoyed my sails, and came in grinning, but Rupertson would happily have spend all day out there sailing the boat, as would the others who too her out for a play, I think.

Certainly feels more like a race boat than the Aero. But maybe that is the Aero's appeal, as it is with the Laser. The Aero you might stuff on the roofrack and use like you might a SUP or Sit on Top at the beach, and then go to an open the next weekend. But the Zero feels like a circuit boat, to be pampered. Both good things, but surprisingly different, like comparing a 200 and a 2000.

Big thanks to Jeffers for allowing us to go play with his pride a joy.

Originally posted by Rupert  Big thanks to Jeffers for allowing us to go play with his pride a joy.