Just some thoughts wanted...

I sail my Lightning at my local club (Manor Park) and, to be fair, i'm quite happy with it. Only been sailing for 12months or so and my (old, cheap) boat serves me very well at the moment as i learn & progress. I'm sticking with it for another season next year anyway as i'm just starting to get some better results in our handicap races & in slightly 'tougher' conditions than i used to take on.

Anyway, no point in getting a new boat whilst i'm happy learning BUT, as i'll be in a position to buy new at the end of next year (no, ive not been taking kicking lessons from our esteemed 'in the money' forum colleague!  ) and whilst i'm very tempted with a new Lightning, i have looked at the likes of the Rooster Streaker and the Solution.

Both seem suited to the lighter helm (i'm 6ft and 11st) and seem aimed at inland water - we're a gravel pit in Staffordshire. I feel that i'm too light for a Supernova so ive kind of ruled that out - and try as i might, ive just never got on with the Laser in any config.  Really does look like it'll be between the Lightning, Streaker and Solution. Class racing isn't an issue as we sail handicap & i doubt i'll travel too much to be honest (might try a couple of Lightning opens next year though). Just really trying to gauge some thoughts really. I like the Lightning, but good to consider other possibilities - an d i am very taken by the looks/performance-on-paper of the Solution.

For a laugh, i checked out the RS300 on youtube........... a bit wild for me but, hmmnnn....with a bit of patience????

I'd say (I am in no position to recommend) stick with another i.e. newer Lightning, which you are obviously happy with. The Streaker would be another good alternative, though. When the time comes for you to want something with a bit more poke (a la RS300), then go for it - but it's better to enjoy yourself and develop your existing skills IMHO.

The Solution... Probably more traditional skills-wise to the Lightning than say the Byte CII, but it could be an option. Thing is with the Solution it seems to be virtually quite similar to the Supernova...

Somewhere along the line, the Solution was said to be a better option for heavier sailors than the Supernova! But when RedEye came to market the Solution, the adverts were stating much lower weights... If someone actually has experience of the Solution, that would be useful!

Follow Rupert's advice - and definitely go for test sails with your potential choices.

I think you would be at the heavy end of the CII spectrum but you would be very good when the wind picked up.

Streaker would be a great boat for you especially in handicap events.
Bit of an el bandito.

Rs300 quite a chalenge to take up but the Blaze is a less chalenging alternative, I really liked mine but I was way to light for it but its a craking boat if you want to be bigger.

If you find you really like the lightning then there is no reason not to get a younger one.

If you want to do alot of ducking the Europe is good fun but really for the europe you want big wind and waves.

Ive have the CII and Europe and owned a Blaze for a while so any questions on them I can help but all 3 are great boats to sail.