Rs 800

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A CHERUB SAILORS COMPARISON BETWEEN 800vsCHERUB

Being the owner of a cherub (my 3rd one if you want to be really picky) and having sailed an 800 a few times in a range of conditions.

Rs 800

I think that as an 'out of the box' package the rs 800 is superb value for money, its pretty well built, low mantainance and lets not forget the large and very competitive fleet. I found the 800 easy to sail, it was both quick upwind and down, sheet loads were low, hoists and drops were smooth and the sails set well. There was no fear of the unknown, as the boat was generally fairly predictable. (my definition of easy to sail is, its easily manageable for competant sailors, this doesn't mean that its easy to sail quick as thats a whole new game)

Cherub

Boats vary greatly depending on your budget. £2500-£10k+ for a new boat should get you something with twin strings comparable to an 800. The Cherub is a bit like marmite you love them or only slightly dislike them maybee not quite like marmite then. The boat is much lighter than the 800 as the hull weight is only 50kg, rigs are much lighter due to slightly more advanced composite lay-ups in spars. Depending on boat set up and weather conditions a cherub can either be easy (see definition of easy in 800 bit) or challenging to sail. The sheet loads are generally light. Speed wise in light winds cherubs are rarely seen going quickly, but once above 8-10knots of breeze a well sailed cherub with T -foil can keep up with an 800 around a course...if sailed well. Cherubs are a development class which means the boat can be very much customised to suit your sailing style. The class racing is competitive, downwind legs are something really special theres nothing like twin wiring downwind in a cherub due the the 'on the edge' handling you can only get from a very lightweight 12ft boat (its adictive i recomend you have a go) the socials are blurry (must be good!) The 3 things which make me sail cherubs are the 'grin factor', the value for money and the challenge.

Thats my comparision make your own minds up. But i think that the 800 is a briliant boat as is the Cherub. I made my choice 3 years ago and havent regreted one days sailing yet.

Sorry for the long post

Its ok stu you make your point nicely its all down to challenges that you like to undertake.

my view on RS800 vs a B14 differences bag kite system over chute kite, both have advantages and disadvantages.

Rs800 kite hoist no problems with windward hoisting etc b14 more knack to hoisting from the windward side no a biggy though longetivty well bag kite will last longer as it endures less friction than being pulled down a chute.

Twin Wiring over hiking imo near as damnit no difference there'll be lots of confusion to that but in terms of mechanical advantage and righting moment the racks on the B14 are wide so yojur feet actually end up where you would trapeze from and the racks are pretty darn comfy from sailing one. twin wiring yeah its a skill helming from the wire but quite an easy one to pick up and getting good communication and coordination takes time but no matter what double hander you sail you need this,

price wise there both roughly the same new if i had the money i woudl probably own both as there are both great fun.

yes i own a cherub do i need to ram it down everyones throat that i think its  a good boat nope because i know it is and i like sailing it if we all sailed the same thing it would be boring everyone thinks there class is best because if we all look deep down we know its hard to attract new members to a class as the market is very diverse, but my calling names etc does it no good have i sailed a 49er no am i interested well possibly but am not a big fan of EGO's so it kinda puts me off getting one, would i sail a I14 well then yes i probs would but i dont have the cash to fund one, doesnt make these boats any better or worse than another one it just makes them different.

 

 

And the 800 has crew weight equalisation, I believe? (Though opinions tend to be divided on whether such schemes are a god thing or not...)

honestly the competitive range is between 18stone and 24 stone optimum depends on the boat I'll be sailing with around 22-23 stone in the boat this year and hope to get some good results. But i also know of some very quick teams who are close to 20 stone, I'm too lazy for a kg conversion!

surely it all depends on induividual circumstances as to whats 'best'.

for cheap boats you can change when/ if you want to surely an old 14 or cherub (depending on your weight) will be perfect.

a b14 will be good if you sail in water too restricted for twin trapezes to be a viable option. 49er's, newer 14's/cherubs etc are for those wanting to go fast and sail competatively.

the 800 i would say is slightly different. apparently easier than other twin wire boats to sail (not race). BUT it has strong fleet racing, long lasting sails, hulls etc which remain cometative. (pick up one suitable for nationals title for £5,000 ). it depends on crew situations, aspirations, money as well as others.

NO CLASS CAN BE 'BETTER' - just more suitable for a particular person.