Moving from a laser to a ...

   So, I'm a bit bored of my laser now after a couple of years of sailing it. I toyed with the idea of getting a Phantom at the beginning of the year but never got round to even trying one in the end.

My aim is to carry on improving my sailing, both technique and tactics/strategy whilst also putting as big a grin on my face as possible on a reach in a bit of breeze. 

As I see it my choices are either an RS300, Phantom or stick with the Laser for another season. I fancy something with an asymetric kite, but the RS100 and D-ONE are both out of my price range at the moment and they don't suit my normal area of sailing; small inland lake. Although I'd like to venture to opens with the new boat.

I'm happy to, and want to, put the time in practicing as it's all part of the fun for me. I'm leaning towards an RS300 at the moment as I can pick one up for roughly the same price as I should get for selling the laser. Where as a Phantom I'd be happy with is going to upwards of that somewhat.

I'm curious to know what people on here think as the couple of people at the club who I've discussed it with seem to be Laser acolytes and think I'm stupid for even considering a change and I will come to regret it. Presumably they meant in terms of sailing enjoyment rather than it being a veiled threat to give me a good shoeing if I sell the Laser...

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Norbas Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 12 Dec 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 28	Post Options Post Reply Quote Norbas Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Moving from a laser to a ... Posted: 12 Dec 12 at 4:10pm
	So, I'm a bit bored of my laser now after a couple of years of sailing it. I toyed with the idea of getting a Phantom at the beginning of the year but never got round to even trying one in the end. My aim is to carry on improving my sailing, both technique and tactics/strategy whilst also putting as big a grin on my face as possible on a reach in a bit of breeze. As I see it my choices are either an RS300, Phantom or stick with the Laser for another season. I fancy something with an asymetric kite, but the RS100 and D-ONE are both out of my price range at the moment and they don't suit my normal area of sailing; small inland lake. Although I'd like to venture to opens with the new boat. I'm happy to, and want to, put the time in practicing as it's all part of the fun for me. I'm leaning towards an RS300 at the moment as I can pick one up for roughly the same price as I should get for selling the laser. Where as a Phantom I'd be happy with is going to upwards of that somewhat. I'm curious to know what people on here think as the couple of people at the club who I've discussed it with seem to be Laser acolytes and think I'm stupid for even considering a change and I will come to regret it. Presumably they meant in terms of sailing enjoyment rather than it being a veiled threat to give me a good shoeing if I sell the Laser...

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Dec 12 at 4:19pm
	Give the Blaze a try, too. You'll have fun in all of them, I'd think, so give them all a go and see which one tickles your fancy!
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

RS400atC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 04 Dec 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3011	Post Options Post Reply Quote RS400atC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Dec 12 at 4:22pm
	If you fancy a kite, have you considered a 2 person boat? I think it depends who you think you will be racing against. The people matter more than the boat, any boat is good if it gives you level racing against sailors you can challenge. How about a vareo? I would consider it a bit slow for my venue, but the people who had them always seemed to enjoy their racing. No right or wrong answers really, just do what you thik will enjoy and learn from.

Moppo Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 11 Nov 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 30	Post Options Post Reply Quote Moppo Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Dec 12 at 5:23pm
	If you want a challenging technical boat that'll make you grin when you master it: RS300 If you want to improve your tactical sailing by racing against decent-sized fleets then (and it pains me to say this) stick with the Laser
	B14 694

jeffers Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 29 Mar 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3048	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeffers Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Dec 12 at 7:01pm
	I had a Blaze on a small inland water and you have to be top notch to make it work. It is a great boat but does like to stretch its legs a little as it tacks quite slowly. Aside from that a great boat and you can get a older but compeitive Mk1 with all the upgrades for very little money. PM Blaze720, he may be able to set you up with a test sail (as he is the builder) and occasioanlly has good refurbed boats in stock. We do have a couple of RS300s at my local club and they seem to go OK but are very tricky to keep upright.
	Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74

pondmonkey Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2202	Post Options Post Reply Quote pondmonkey Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Dec 12 at 7:01pm
	Out of the boats I've sailed owned since posting a similar question nearly 10 years ago, the one I wished I'd spent longer in the most was the RS300. It's great on small ponds, big ponds, the sea- f**k, if you could sail on Mars, it'd probably be in an RS300. Edited by pondmonkey - 12 Dec 12 at 7:02pm

crosby mafia Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 18 Jan 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 62	Post Options Post Reply Quote crosby mafia Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Dec 12 at 9:57pm
	Both my mate and I have moved up this year from Lasers to Phantoms. They are so much more refined and easier to sail, the only thing we have said being, we'd be out in F5 and 6 in the lasers, whereas with the phantom, its a bit too powerful. Where are you , you're welcome if up North to have a try of ours.
	Better a crap day in Abersoch than any day at work.

sargesail Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 14 Jan 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1459	Post Options Post Reply Quote sargesail Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Dec 12 at 10:44pm
	If you are prepared to put the time in you won't regret the 300...Accepting Moppo's point that our fleet isn't huge...the racing always seems tight...and on my own or in a fleet, win or lose I always come off the water with a big grin on my face.

getafix Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 28 Mar 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2143	Post Options Post Reply Quote getafix Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 13 Dec 12 at 7:22am
	loads of choices out there, most of which have been debated at great, great length on this forum, my main suggestions would be: a) consider two-handers as well, if you can see a way to russle up a crew it's more fun with someone else and gives you a bigger range of potential boats to choose from b) try before you buy

MattTrinder Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 19 Dec 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 27	Post Options Post Reply Quote MattTrinder Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 13 Dec 12 at 8:50am
	Depending on where you are and if there are any others around - Supernova ?