Choosing a boat: Old Bloke Singlehander

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Old Bloke Singlehander

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
Forum Discription: Ask any questions about the sport!
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13787
Printed Date: 10 May 25 at 1:07pm
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Topic: Old Bloke Singlehander

Posted By: Pete Cooper
Subject: Old Bloke Singlehander
Date Posted: 19 May 21 at 3:27pm

Hi, after a lifetime's sailing mainly yachts I am considering returning to dinghy sailing.

I am mid 60s, reasonably fit and have sailed for over 60 years. My last boat was was a Gem Micro 18 which although the smallest yacht I have owned I loved it and only sold it as I am moving to the South of France and the costs of getting it down there were prohibitive.

I now have options ... I may buy another micro down there, and being honest I think that would be my preferred option, but I don't know what single handed dinghies would be suitable for me.

Years ago I sailed a Solo when my dad had one but they don't appeal to me. The boom on an OK is too low and if I go the dinghy route something more modern would appeal - maybe a Topper Blaze?

Any ideas what other boats I should be considering?

I want to be sailing not swimming most of the time - and will be racing I suspect - I have raced for most of my sailing career and would like to get back into that.

All ideas gratefully received and considered.

Thanks.

Replies:

Posted By: Wiclif
Date Posted: 19 May 21 at 4:44pm

I would suggest the K1. K1association.co.uk

Posted By: tink
Date Posted: 19 May 21 at 9:17pm

What weight are you? What sort of club inland? sea? Budget?

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Tink
https://tinkboats.com

http://proasail.blogspot.com

Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 19 May 21 at 10:02pm

I think the Blaze would be a good choice, especially if you sail on open water. It definitely likes room to stretch it's legs and is a polar opposite to the Solo. I sail/race one both on the sea and a smallish inland lake, it's definitely better suited to the sea but it's so nice to sail that I'm happy to accept the compromise needed to sail it inland. It is incredibly forgiving in a blow but feels (and is) seriously quick on a windy reach. I'm 68 and returned to dinghies from windsurfing 14 years ago, I bought the Blaze to get back into 'proper' racing four years ago, the Blaze is a good weight carrier but still competitive sailed by a 65kg lightweight. The only thing to consider is that they are almost all in the UK (there may still be a few yellow ones at Sunsail centres...). I sailed an OK in my youth (and might end up with another in the future) and sail against a very competitive Solo fleet at my home club, inland there will be days when you can't stay ahead of the good guys over the water but on the sea a Blaze would head for the horizon.

Used boats sell for anything from £1000-9000 depending on age and condition and a good old boat with a good rig will be competitive at the highest level so there will be one to suit your budget if you are patient.

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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Posted By: KazRob
Date Posted: 20 May 21 at 8:22am

Where in France are you going as they may have quite a different fleet make up compared to the UK I suspect. If you buy a Blaze or similar UK boat you might be in a fleet of one (no idea of how handicap racing works in France).

I know there has been a resurgence of OKs around Bandol with quite a few older guys buying new boats if you are going to be around that area. ( https://www.yoleok.org/?lang=en" rel="nofollow - AspryOK: Association Sportive des pratiquants de Yole-OK (yoleok.org) )

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OK 2249
D-1 138

Posted By: Gfinch
Date Posted: 20 May 21 at 9:29am

H2? https://www.h2class.uk/

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3513, 3551 - National 12
136069 - Laser
32541 - Mirror
4501 - Laser 4000

Posted By: Peter Barton
Date Posted: 20 May 21 at 1:08pm

The RS Aero would be splendid as a new interest for you in the south of France and if necessary is easily transported.

The RS Aero Class has plenty 'old blokes' (as well as Youth and Ladies), although at mid 60's you are still nearly young!

The RS Aero ticks your boxes of being modern and having good boom clearance. It has simplicity and an ease of both use (lightweight) and ownership (low maintenance). Sail options to suit the sailor and a variety of conditions. The performance offers a very rewarding sailing experience and there is the possibility of racing too.

https://www.rsaerosailing.org/" rel="nofollow - Class Website

https://www.facebook.com/groups/rsaeroclass" rel="nofollow - Facebook

https://www.rsaerosailing.org/index.asp?p=news&nid=10824" rel="nofollow - RS Aero Rig Guide