yet another what boat...

The 200 is a new 12, same designer as my 1970's 12 and everything! Look at the class websites, decide what sort of sailing (assy blasting,or really close tactcal stuff) and what sort of crew you have/want, and what is sailed near you, or would suit your ability to travel, and then decide what you can afford: a 200 can cost a lot more, but may cost less in terms of depreciation as it is a desirable after one design. The 420 is a great youth boat, but this is partly because it is undercanvassed, and hence not good in light winds ( i.e. typical small pond conditions). An older 12 could be superb on restricted waters, but you really need other 12's to tune against, because they are hard to get the best out of.

It isn't an easy question to answer without knowing where you sail and what you sail against; If I could give one piece of advice to aspiring sailors, it would be: sail in a one design fleet!!! You can't beat sailing against other similar boats- the Solo I sail is very simple, yet 1/4 inch on the shrouds can be the difference between competing or not, and even when you've got the boat speed right, you still have to get the start right, and then the first beat, and then all your mark roundings, and then not get stuffed by the flying fifteens ( not that this has ever been an issue for me ) and then you only win with a bit of luck if the fleet is very good enough!

Any help?

From what I remember from my uni days at the Harp you have to fit in with the classes already present, as they wont let you on the water otherwise. A problem I had with my N12 when i was there. There are two calsses they do allow that have fantastic circuits, with lots of younger sailors around. The first is the much vaunted RS200, as described ably above, and if you have the green stuff to get one, then why not, they are fun, require good skills to make them go fast.

The other boat the Harp allows that has one of the best circuits in the country is the Firefly. And is an option for the budget sailor. Not as exciting to sail, granted, unless you get in a big fleet, where even the rockstars dont go any faster, so its all down to taticks, and there are lots of rockstars who just keep their freddies for team racing and the odd champs. Also if you are thinking of going to uni, most of the sailing wil be in freddies, as you will have noticed from the club nearest the gate, so why not get a jump on the competition. Exp price 200-2500GBP

I love all the boats mentioned for different reasons, Hope to get back into 12's (diet) or RS200's (if enough numbers) soon, but would depend on what takes off at local club, but as soon as i have a big enough garage there will always be room for a freddy in it. Even if only used once or twice a year.

Hope this helps

Andy