First boat- something to gain practice on mosly

   Although I'm not saying it's the ideal boat in this situation, I think the Tres gets a bit too much criticism. I grew up sailing the uno and race, and found them overpowered and badly balanced boats at the time. We've kept the topaz for my parents to sail, and with the Tres rig it's a far better boat. A little cramped, granted, but I can sail that boat with more control than most others. The rig's balanced enough to be able to meaningfully sail rudderless using just sail set, and it's a lovely little boat for sailing around up to a force 4.
The criticism are more appropriate in really strong winds. The regatta earlier this year involved winds of about 30 knots (Not forum speed - I'm aware that the maximum gust in one of the squalls 
was 47.2, and wasn't that tonnes stronger than the average that day. Ask the moth guys, one of whose rigs had to be cut off in the beach hut rescue), and I ended up taking the Tres three-up. In those winds, it gets planing, and then all the criticisms levelled, such as instability, enormous quantities of spray and a massive bow wave come into play. Playing the main alone I was struggling to keep it upright. However, up to about 20 knots, the boat is very pleasant, and can only really be criticised on ergonomic grounds - lack of space, no kick-off points etc.
A very good boat for learning seamanship skills in the absence of a 2000 or wayfarer, if not one of such racing calibre as a Feva (which is a boat I absolutely detest). By no means is it perfect, but it's not that awful.

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Jaws Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 27 Nov 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 92	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jaws Report Post Quote Reply Topic: First boat- something to gain practice on mosly Posted: 03 Oct 11 at 7:41pm
	Although I'm not saying it's the ideal boat in this situation, I think the Tres gets a bit too much criticism. I grew up sailing the uno and race, and found them overpowered and badly balanced boats at the time. We've kept the topaz for my parents to sail, and with the Tres rig it's a far better boat. A little cramped, granted, but I can sail that boat with more control than most others. The rig's balanced enough to be able to meaningfully sail rudderless using just sail set, and it's a lovely little boat for sailing around up to a force 4. The criticism are more appropriate in really strong winds. The regatta earlier this year involved winds of about 30 knots (Not forum speed - I'm aware that the maximum gust in one of the squalls was 47.2, and wasn't that tonnes stronger than the average that day. Ask the moth guys, one of whose rigs had to be cut off in the beach hut rescue), and I ended up taking the Tres three-up. In those winds, it gets planing, and then all the criticisms levelled, such as instability, enormous quantities of spray and a massive bow wave come into play. Playing the main alone I was struggling to keep it upright. However, up to about 20 knots, the boat is very pleasant, and can only really be criticised on ergonomic grounds - lack of space, no kick-off points etc. A very good boat for learning seamanship skills in the absence of a 2000 or wayfarer, if not one of such racing calibre as a Feva (which is a boat I absolutely detest). By no means is it perfect, but it's not that awful.
	RS600 794

The Big Wednesday Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 21 Feb 19 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote The Big Wednesday Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Feb 19 at 3:41pm
	Somewhat late in the day but better late than never. The Hobie 405 was designed as the RYA Intermediate Youth Training dinghy so probably not suitable for those who are adult and lardy. It's more challenging than a Feva or Topaz, and the like but more manageable tham a 29-er. My son is 13 and an ex-Tera sailor and had no issues getting to grips with the 405. Below is a new online resource for junior sailors interested in finding out about the HOBIE 405, a performance dinghy that was (and is) much ahead of its time in many respects. The Hobie 405 was designed from the ground up as the RYA intermediate youth training dinghy, not a leisure boat with go-faster add-ons. With great build quality, an asymmetric, single wire and PY of 1089 it ticks a lot of teenage boxes and still offers a manageable and very affordable entry into real asymmetric sailing for younger sailors. With competitive 2nd hand examples often around the £500.00 mark with combi, what's not to like? https://www.facebook.com/groups/309480016377777/ Edited by The Big Wednesday - 08 Mar 19 at 11:32pm