Beginner questions: Too tall for a Contender?

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Too tall for a Contender?

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Beginner questions
Forum Discription: Advice for those who are new to sailing
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10888
Printed Date: 11 May 25 at 10:17pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Too tall for a Contender?

Posted By: ASok
Subject: Too tall for a Contender?
Date Posted: 28 May 13 at 9:53am

As the subject line asks? Would I be too tall for a Contender at 6'3"?

I've always wanted a Contender and I'm thinking of scratching that itch later this year once my broken hand feels strong enough. However, I'm concerned by comments around the low boom and wonder if I'm going to struggle with it given my height. I guess I need to give one a test sail to really know.

Any comments would be gratefully recieved.

Replies:

Posted By: catmandoo
Date Posted: 28 May 13 at 10:55am

nope , wick mc ready was way taller than my 6'2" , one thing i did notice though they dont like weight , suprisingly

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Posted By: hollandsd
Date Posted: 28 May 13 at 12:32pm

I'm 6ft1 and have no issues with the low boom....let the kicker off......

Theres another guy at my club whos taller than me and a fair bit heavier and has no issues and is quick.

P.s mines still up for sale.
Dan

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Laser 184084
Tasar 3501
RS600 698
RS600 782

Posted By: Neptune
Date Posted: 28 May 13 at 1:28pm

In most trapeze boats height helps, its much more effective that a hiking boat at really getting the power down imo. The downsides comes in manoeuvres when your potentially less agile in the boat. Try a contender and see how you get on, but if you want to trapeze and find it too cramped you could always try a 600, 700 or a Musto as they are all more generous when it comes to moving around.

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Musto Skiff and Solo sailor

Posted By: Rockhopper
Date Posted: 28 May 13 at 5:39pm

I used to sail a contender in the early nineties at 6ft 3" i did not have a problem with the boom then

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Retired now after 35 seasons in a row and time for a rest.
2004 national champ Laser5000
2007,2010,National Champ Rs Vareo

Posted By: ASok
Date Posted: 28 May 13 at 5:47pm

Thanks. I guess the important thing is to get in one and try it for size. I always knew that height is a good thing on the wire. More concerned about having to push myself through a letterbox on every tack!

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Posted By: Contender443
Date Posted: 29 May 13 at 9:49am

Go to a Contender open meeting and you will not feel out of place with your height.

So no problem, go on give it a go.

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Bonnie Lass Contender 1764

Posted By: Contender 541
Date Posted: 29 May 13 at 4:42pm

Being 6'1" and having owned 2 previous Contenders - 541 and 651 - I would say go for it, especially if you are the lighter end of the scale for a 6+ footer.
That said, I was the better part of 16 stone when I had mine (13.5 now) and while I was conscious I was too heavy to trap in the light stuff, I came into my own in the heavy

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When you find a big kettle of crazy it's probably best not to stir it - Pointy Haired Boss

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