What boat should I buy?

Icon is clearly an NS derivative and has a strong racing heritage ... as was the Tasar several decades ago.  It is very versatile, easier to sail and frankly we do not understand the issue about being 'over-powered' being plugged second-hand by some here yet to sail one or even see one on the water perhaps.  ...  Every boat has a limit somewhere on the wind range !!  Over the weekend Mike and Charlotte Bell who commented previously (and are now at Poole Week) seem to have really got things sorted in higher breeze over the holiday weekend -  simply time on the water again, a bit of guidance and a lot more Cunningham.   To put things into perspective the Tasar has a MINIMUM allowed crew weight rule of 130kg.    

Would I sail Icon with kids ?   Yes.   It is fast YET stable and everyone who has sailed them has commented how forgiving the boat is .... But there are also conditons I would not take out inexperienced in almost any boat .. and some in which I'd single-hand the boat if I had no alternative.

Maybe not what would suit here (not yet anyway) and I'd recommend something low cost moderate and simple to gain more experience.  Enterprise, Firefly, Wayfarer or maybe a Miracle,  ... choose when you go out and try out anything along the way that is offered.   If it is too breezy don't frighten the kids etc, stay ashore or find a smaller mainsail and still go out to get a feel for higher wind sailing without too much swimming.  I'd avoid anything rota-moulded on the grounds of weight and 'non-slip' issues  but that may just be my own personal bias !  

Mike L.

Edited by blaze720 - 27 Aug 13 at 1:30pm

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blaze720 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 28 Sep 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1635	Post Options Post Reply Quote blaze720 Report Post Quote Reply Topic: What boat should I buy? Posted: 27 Aug 13 at 1:29pm
	Icon is clearly an NS derivative and has a strong racing heritage ... as was the Tasar several decades ago. It is very versatile, easier to sail and frankly we do not understand the issue about being 'over-powered' being plugged second-hand by some here yet to sail one or even see one on the water perhaps. ... Every boat has a limit somewhere on the wind range !! Over the weekend Mike and Charlotte Bell who commented previously (and are now at Poole Week) seem to have really got things sorted in higher breeze over the holiday weekend - simply time on the water again, a bit of guidance and a lot more Cunningham. To put things into perspective the Tasar has a MINIMUM allowed crew weight rule of 130kg. Would I sail Icon with kids ? Yes. It is fast YET stable and everyone who has sailed them has commented how forgiving the boat is .... But there are also conditons I would not take out inexperienced in almost any boat .. and some in which I'd single-hand the boat if I had no alternative. Maybe not what would suit here (not yet anyway) and I'd recommend something low cost moderate and simple to gain more experience. Enterprise, Firefly, Wayfarer or maybe a Miracle, ... choose when you go out and try out anything along the way that is offered. If it is too breezy don't frighten the kids etc, stay ashore or find a smaller mainsail and still go out to get a feel for higher wind sailing without too much swimming. I'd avoid anything rota-moulded on the grounds of weight and 'non-slip' issues but that may just be my own personal bias ! Mike L. Edited by blaze720 - 27 Aug 13 at 1:30pm

Sprint Bob Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 17 Jan 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 314	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sprint Bob Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Aug 13 at 12:28am
	[QUOTE=Bill Peters]All I really appreciate all the feedback you have given me and from this here is some more information. I don't necessarily want to sail with my children who are 2boys 29y 27y 2girls married 31y 33y with 2 grand kids each5y 7y old. I would like to take the grand kids out separately just lake sailing for them to experience that relaxed feeling of one with nature.I know some skippers yell at there crew and turn them of the sport for life.That is why I am wanting a boat I can sail by myself if the need arises. As an older sailor I would also like to travel and do Masters events with large fleets and enjoy competitive competition and maybe a glass of red. Finally if my older children want to go sailing they can just borrow the boat and use it when they like without their father telling them what to do. Hope this extra info helps. [/QUOTE Hi Have a look at www.sprint15.com The sprint 15 can be sailed single handed Unarig but you can add the jib and then it can also be sailed and raced 2-up. It is ideal for you and grand child but not for you AND your children as they are too big and heavy. Many of the sailors are in the 50+ age range and tend to drink red wine. Our national champion is 60+ The fleet is well known for being friendly and helpful as can be seen from our website. We have just completed our National Championships at Pentewan where we had 70 entries. We are now starting our fun sailing few days where we load up our boats with family and friends and cruise along the coastline to pubs for lunch, etc. So in summary you can sail AND raced 1-up or 2-up, It is light and easily to launch and right from a capsize, The class's is active and friendly, Fun sailing events are organised as well as racing, There is a full summer traveller series of 2 day regattas and winter series of 5 x 1 day regattas,as well as 2 national championships. Cheers Bob, Ps I was only prompted to write this as most of the recommendations made thus far do not meet your criteria of being suitable for BOTH singlehanded and 2-up sailing.

Pewit Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Groupie Joined: 25 Jan 14 Location: Sydney, Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 72	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pewit Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 26 Jan 14 at 1:11am
	+1 for the Weta. I was in a similar position wanting a boat with some performance but not wanting to spend all my time swimming. So instead of a single handed skiff - I went for a skiff with training wheels :-) Fantastic performance when you're on your own. Very stable if you're out with kids or 3 up. Can be launched/retrieved single handed in 30 mins Small footprint in the boat park/garage (6 sqM - same as a Laser) I also think you'd soon get tired of the foiling Laser idea - great gimmick but not very practical. By all means buy a second-hand Laser if you want big fleet racing but I bet you'll spend more time on the Weta.