Blaze or Phantom?

FINN

Yep!  Now maybe a foiling Moth?  Er, how heavy are you?

Seriously though, don't discount the Finn.  Great boat to sail witn a fair handicap and, for a club racing boat, sensible used boat costs.  With so much Finn action in the Uk next year it's going to be an exciting class to get into.  Gold Cup (Worlds) in Falmouth, World Masters ( Pwllheli) where we can expect up to 250 boats competing.  OH, I should remember that one of the GBR Finn guys will also be defending the Gold at the Olympics.

As an International Canoe sailor (the orange boat in the Draycote Dash)  I confirm this boat is not quick to tack with the sliding seat to throw across and thus not a very suitable boat for river sailing, even though it was on the Thames that IC sailing got going in the first place (dating from about 1875). Get into open water and it is a different story. 17 stone is probably a bit heavy for the boat even though it carries weight pretty well with sailors of different weights using different masts. World Champions have ranged in weight from about 10 to 16 stone. At just 10 and a half stone myself I cannot help with advice on the Phantom (!) but I do also sail a foiling Moth (now badly and just for fun at age 68).

another thing to consider is opens too if feel inclined to do them. I don't know the state of the blaze or other circuits, but the phantom east coast circuit is very vibrant and filled with great events. its the home of the phantom and with this year being the classes 40th year its got more going on than usual. also 80+ at nationals is a bit of a draw for some, but not others.