Nationals Attendances

If you look at the more successfull traveling classes with no Olympic/world stardom ambitions they are usually populated by those past child rearing responsibilities. Take Solo or Supernova for instance. Freedom and comparative wealth are important factors. Enthusiastim within clubs is also an important factor particularly if someone within that club is successful in a particular class.

Re the solo Graeme - you've clearly never sailed one. They are great fun, speed is relative and I haven't found a more comfortable hiking boat (esp for dodgy knees!). I was just too fat for them inland and in predominantly light wind.

Originally posted by turnturtle Re the solo Graeme - you've clearly never sailed one. They are great fun, speed is relative and I haven't found a more comfortable hiking boat (esp for dodgy knees!). I was just too fat for them inland and in predominantly light wind.

I have so...

I'm still in therapy.

There was a Spider in it, and as I was remonstrating with it, as it clearly tried to bale out presumably because it was unhappy, looking to chuck itself overboard, it put me off my normal genius helming technique and there was a nasty crash which resulted in the side of the unfortunate Solo being mounted by a not entirely in control Streaker being gusted, which resulted in the starboard gunwhale being stoved in and I very nearly got a splinter as well as breaking a nail.

What's worse I very nearly was forced to buy it, since it was a try before you buy sale and would have meant the Solution and I would never have met. Nothing about the Solo is nice, I took a picture once of a Solo and Solution side by side they have similar dimensions and sail size, yet there the similarity ends, chalk and very rotten cheese.

Edited by iGRF - 11 Sep 17 at 5:32pm

GP14's and Solo's, comfortable in all winds, ageing sailors, probably one of the main reasons for upsurge.

Originally posted by rich96 For the larger helm the Finn and Phantom still have no real competition as single handers.

I'd disagree - as the OK fills that slot nicely too. Classy to sail with the new carbon rigs and modern FRP hulls - a bit like a Finn but without the grunt on and off the water and the advantage of good overseas fleets to go and visit. The cockpit looks small but it's deep and easily big enough for those of us taller and heavier than most. I'm 6'2" and +100kgs tbh but seem to go fine in all conditions and the boat fits me like a glove.
I know it's a blatant class plug but they are honestly so under-rated