Dinghy development: Which dinghy?..

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Which dinghy?..

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12415
Printed Date: 08 Jul 25 at 1:51am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Which dinghy?..

Posted By: smartmove
Subject: Which dinghy?..
Date Posted: 10 Jun 16 at 5:01pm

I've seen many forum threads already with similar predicament but various different opinions. I am getting back into sailing after about a 10 year break. Previously I sailed Toppers and Lasers. I am 1.8m and currently 95kg (although hoping to lose some of that) and will be sailing single handed. I want something I can initially just sail with a main sail up until I get back up to speed and then I'd like to have the option of adding a jib to make things more interesting. The dinghies I've wittled the list down to so far. I would be grateful for your opinions bearing mind my current weight?

RS Feva (I initially thought this may be too small but am seeing some forum posts suggesting that this ay be ok single handed)

RS Vareo (looks like it may be a slightly more complicated setup so perhaps not ideal for me initially)

Topper Topaz Uno (seems like a good option although may be slightly smaller than the Feva and therefore may have issues with my weight)

Thank you.

Replies:

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 10 Jun 16 at 5:11pm

Feva, too small, no doubt. Weight not the issue so much as everything designed for small people. Topaz also too small and not the nicest boat in the world. I like the Vareo, and it would cope with the weight. Sail before you buy, though, as some people dislike it.

There is plenty to keep you interested in most singlehanders without adding a jib. Most doublehanded boats make poor singlehanders, even for a heavy person.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: Oinks
Date Posted: 10 Jun 16 at 6:19pm

420's used to have a forward mast position for optional singlehanded/mainsail only sailing but not sure if they still do. Advantages: plenty of space, comfy sidedecks, option of jib/spinnaker/trapeze. Disadvantages: beware older competitively sailed boats that might have gone a bit soft.

Posted By: smartmove
Date Posted: 10 Jun 16 at 6:22pm

Definetely looking for something reasonably modern. So looks like I'm back to considering the Vareo.

Posted By: piglet
Date Posted: 10 Jun 16 at 6:33pm

There's been a couple of vareos come & go at my club, had a go in one in decent breeze once, surprising good downwind with kite but refused to move upwind unless flat. I remember sailing straight under owners lee upwind, I was in a 4.7!
As a cheap fun boat I think the Vareo is a good candidate, just be prepared to hike hard!!!

Posted By: Oinks
Date Posted: 10 Jun 16 at 6:33pm

Just to note: the Vareo doesn't have a jib, but there is an asymmetric spinnaker to make downwind sailing a bit more interesting.

Posted By: maxibuddah
Date Posted: 10 Jun 16 at 7:02pm

Not a vareo,, get a D-One, bit more of a grown up version, far more comfortable to sit on, and out from. Don't need to use the assymetric until you've got the hang of it and then its a blast. It has a proper rig that you can easily depower too

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Everything I say is my opinion, honest

Posted By: gordon1277
Date Posted: 11 Jun 16 at 10:34am

I would suggest looking at the Phantom, even without the jib the main is easily big enough to keep you occupied for years to come.
Also very friendly class and knowledge base to help you get the best out of it.
If your near the Solent your welcome to have a try in mine.
Drop me a message.
Regards
Gordon PHANTOM 1430

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Gordon
Lossc

Posted By: KAON
Date Posted: 16 Jun 16 at 12:10pm

Look at the Hadron H2. It is comfortable, easy to sail but allows for improvement,easy to right from a capsize, light, has a centre plate not a dagger board and has good discounts at the moment.

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Kaon

Posted By: smartmove
Date Posted: 16 Jun 16 at 12:25pm

I've decided to go with the RS Vareo. There are a number at my local club and people speak very positively of them. Thanks.

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 16 Jun 16 at 3:55pm

You should have a great time!

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686