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Optimist versus Tera

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johnreekie1980 View Drop Down
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    Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 1:56pm
Just saw an article on a Tera event at Derwent with 103 boats competing. Is the Tera taking over from the Optimist in the UK and do parents now need to buy two boats to let their kids compete in a series if they are good enough to go to a world championship?

Whilst the Tera is a relatively modern looking dinghy it does not appear to be cheap at over £2000 and I am not even sure you get a trolley for that money. Why are all these parents choosing to go down this route with the likely outcome that we will have a reduced youth class at the under 15 category. 
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JimC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 2:09pm
Because they don't want to be labelled as Oppie parents?
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Dougal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 2:16pm
Having recently returned from the Oppie Nationals at Weymouth, I think the Teras still have a way to go before they start threatening the Oppies.  103 Tera's is a great turnout which many classes would be delighted with, but the Oppies still managed 470 boats with 19 countries represented.
What could possibly go wrong?
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Dougal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 2:23pm
Originally posted by JimC

Because they don't want to be labelled as Oppie parents?

I've got to be honest, I was a bit worried about this whole 'Oppie Parent' thing before heading to Weymouth.  In practice though my experiences were of an incredibly friendly and helpful bunch of people and I found the 'Oppie parent' thing to be a myth.  No doubt there will be exceptions, but you get them in all classes (I have recent experiences of this elsewhere...). Personally, I had a really enjoyable week.

I would also add I thought the race management and shore management were exceptional, and the amount of effort put in by mainly/wholly(?) unpaid volunteers was great to see.  The majority of days being sunny with winds between 10kts and 22kts also helped.  The expression champagne sailing was used on more than one occasion!
What could possibly go wrong?
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Medway Maniac Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 2:41pm
I went to a talk by the designer a couple of years ago, and he said he felt the niche for the Tera was on account of the boxy, flat fronted look of the Oppi.  Kids wanted a pointy bow and that's what he gave them.  From the evidence, it seems he was right.

I can imagine that a top Oppi with all the best kit costs appreciably more than a Tera too?  That might be another factor.  There are second-hand Oppis, of course, but are they good enough for little Jonny?
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Dougal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 2:45pm
I've heard others say the same thing i.e. the Tera looks like a proper boat.

Each to their own of course, my youngest wouldn't be seen dead in a Tera as he loves his Oppie (it was £1,200 second hand for a competitive boat inc. a sail that is ok, new fully spec'd Oppies are £3k - £3.5k I think).





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johnreekie1980 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote johnreekie1980 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 3:48pm
Originally posted by JimC

Because they don't want to be labelled as Oppie parents?


Surely Tera Parents is a worse nickname. I am Terafied already pardon the pun.

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kevg View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote kevg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 3:50pm
I think the Tera is more a threat to the Topper 4.2 (and then the full sail Topper 5.3) than the Optimist.

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Post Options Post Options   Quote winging it Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 4:29pm
We have had a sudden outburst of oppies this year ar Hunts.  Four out racing in the handicap fleet on Sunday, 10 + doing Boat Camp last week.  I see no sign of an imminent Tera takeover.
the same, but different...

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Post Options Post Options   Quote craiggo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 8:38pm
I'm taken by the Tera, just got to find out whether it will work in a tidal estuary where Toppers work well but Optimists are too slow. I have to say the Oppie parent stigma puts me off going that route!
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