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rs600: Out of my league?
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dohertpk View Drop Down
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Posts: 172 		Post Options Post Options   Quote dohertpk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: rs600: Out of my league?
    Posted: 24 Aug 13 at 8:56pm
Hi! I'd really appreciated some advice.
I've been sailing for about a 18 months now. I'm considering 'trading up' from my Laser after our local Frostbites. I really like the look of the RS600 and they seem to be great value for money at the moment. Thing is, I've been quite put off by the sheer number of reports describing the steep learning curve of this boat. I've done an RYA kites and wires course and have some experience on the wire, but no helming. I'm a competent, if not exactly expert sailor. I don't mind swimming and I'm not hugely pushed about racing. I'm pretty sure that if I was to get one, I'd be the only person in Ireland with an RS 600 so trying before buying isn't on the cards. So, my question is, would I be mad and totally out of my depth? Also, I'm 5'9'' and weigh 75kg: would I get away with narrow wings? There seem to be very few on the market with wide wings. I sail in a large sheltered harbour. Thanks a mil for any help!

Peter
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dohertpk View Drop Down
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Posts: 172 		Post Options Post Options   Quote dohertpk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Aug 13 at 9:02pm
Also: Apologies for cross-post!
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RS400atC View Drop Down
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Posts: 3011 		Post Options Post Options   Quote RS400atC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 13 at 12:37am
They are great boats, but not easy to tack in a breeze.
I found it hard because I was  trying to learn where you had to short tack up a narrow channel to get to the main sailing area, but really what stopped me progressing was too much commiment to 2 handed boats.
If you are sailing somewhere halfway suitable, and you are prepared to put the time in, you will be fine. Nothing to beat it on a close reach, but if the budget stretches, an MPS might be the way to go?
Downwind, the 600 looks a bit lame compared to the boats it torches upwind and on a close reach.
Or, if you have a like-minded friend, the RS800 split between you is similar money?
As a mid-forties sailor I think the RS800 is the most practical option. I have to admit I lack the fitness and balance to get the most from a 600. Go for it while you are young.
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dohertpk View Drop Down
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Posts: 172 		Post Options Post Options   Quote dohertpk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 13 at 12:47am
I'd love a Musto but unfortunately my pockets aren't deep enough at the moment. I sail in a 250 acre harbour but there's nasty 250m stretch which usually involves beating up through gusts bouncing off walls. Once out in the harbour though, we have pretty ideal conditions. I'd be keen on an RS 800 but I don't have regular crew, and I've just managed to coax my girlfriend into a Pico. Can I ask how long it took you to feel comfortable with the 600, and what kind of experience you had before? As a perpetual student, I'm lucky enough to have the time to be able to go the gym regularly and sail whenever I like so putting in the hours won't be a problem. It's ability more than anything else I'm concerned about.
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Clive Evans View Drop Down
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Posts: 46 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Clive Evans Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 13 at 5:38am
The contender can be just as cheap for a late 500 sail number rondar with alloy mast and a lot more civilised!

600 would be a real challenge with 18 months experience in my view if you've not helmed on the wire it's a wobbly platform the 600 compared to a contender or even laser vortex which can also be picked up quite cheap
Spiral 816
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Fearful View Drop Down
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Posts: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Fearful Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 13 at 9:43am
No, I am sure you will be fine. Narrow or wide wings only really matters if you are going to race. For short beats you can always depower and sit on the wings.
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RS400atC View Drop Down
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Posts: 3011 		Post Options Post Options   Quote RS400atC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 13 at 1:32pm
Originally posted by dohertpk

I'd love a Musto but unfortunately my pockets aren't deep enough at the moment. I sail in a 250 acre harbour but there's nasty 250m stretch which usually involves beating up through gusts bouncing off walls. Once out in the harbour though, we have pretty ideal conditions. I'd be keen on an RS 800 but I don't have regular crew, and I've just managed to coax my girlfriend into a Pico. Can I ask how long it took you to feel comfortable with the 600, and what kind of experience you had before? As a perpetual student, I'm lucky enough to have the time to be able to go the gym regularly and sail whenever I like so putting in the hours won't be a problem. It's ability more than anything else I'm concerned about.
 
I was in my 40's and not that fit, but reasonably agile.
I had owned contenders 15 years ago, dabbled in crewing RS800's, helmed a range of boats from Bosun Dinghies to 80ft yachts.
I sailed mine about every other week for 6 months or so, got to the point where I would reliably finish races in up to F4 gusting F5, with a few capsizes on windier days. I lacked the stamina to sail beyond 4 or 5 capsizes.
I did a coaching day with the class which was quite windy and helped a great deal. Definitely worth talking to the class.
I would agree the Contender is worth considering, if your venue has enough wind to trapeze most days. They are great in F4 plus, but less great in F1/F2 IMHO. I would guess a sailable one can be got cheaper than the 600, but a cheap 600 is likely to be more competitive than a cheap Contender?
The 600 was dear to insure IIRC, worth checking if budget is tight.
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dohertpk View Drop Down
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Posts: 172 		Post Options Post Options   Quote dohertpk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 13 at 2:55pm
Thanks for that; can I take it then that a Contender wouldn't be as happy in the light stuff as a 600? We rarely get above Force 3 in the Summer.
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RS400atC View Drop Down
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Posts: 3011 		Post Options Post Options   Quote RS400atC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 13 at 3:13pm
That would be my opinion, unless of course you have other contenders to race against.
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dohertpk View Drop Down
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Posts: 172 		Post Options Post Options   Quote dohertpk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 13 at 3:17pm
Many thanks; you've been very helpful and have given me a lot to think about.
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