miracle or laser 2000

Decide where you want to sail, and then see which class is most numerous. Its always good to have others sailing near you - and helps the kids to make friends quickly with other familys.

Laser 2000 would be a great boat. It will cost you a little more than a Miracle, but it does hold its value very well, as so many people want them and sail them. Great, friendly, class association and meetings: from camping / cruising weekends to week-long National Championships (this year at Penzance).

And you only pull it up the slip way once at the end of the day! Before that, the jib that can be rolled away and the main that can be reefed makes it very adaptable and safe: but fun and enjoyable with the asymetric if you want to race it (or just beat that other family to the best bit of the beach!).

Dont forget the National 12.  For a substantially smaller investment than an FRP Miracle or a L2000 you could get an excellently maintained 12 approaching 30 years old with plenty of life left in it.  With no kite you can sail the boat to its potential much more easily than you can with either of the other 2.  The loads are light.  If the kids enjoy it you can then upgrade to a more modern boat - lots of enjoyment here for dad too.  I will start doing some sailing in a 40 yr old 12 next year with my 5 yr old.

Whatever you do, take things easy.  The comments on a lightweight boat are valid and I would avoid the kite initially even if you choose a boat that is rigged with one.

Happy sailing

Originally posted by laserboy404 a 12 may be a bit twitchy for teaching kids in, not to mention that it may be slightly cramped

There are some kids at my club who seem very happy learning in Dad's 12. As long as Dad is competent in the 12 why on earth should it be an issue?

The Laser 2000 is heavy and it's uncomfortable to hike due to having seats inside and a very high freeboard - and hike you must, as the boom is very high to clear that freeboardm causing the boat to tip alot.

But it's popular and reliable, solidly built, has good resale values.  The hull may tip a lot but doesn't easily capsize.  The kite launches oh so easily out in front of the forestay (though getting it back in takes a little muscle 'cause the hole is quite small) and the kite is too small to be scary.  So nicish fairly modern family boat basically.

But check out the RS200 too - bit tippier but ultimately more rewarding.

You'd grow out of the miracle rather quickly methinks.

I wish my old man bought a Nat 12 when I was a kid. How cool would that of been. Had to make do with a Heron and wait 20 plus years to realise the dream!!