Dinghy development: is a 29er a good idea?

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is a 29er a good idea?

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=9961
Printed Date: 18 Jul 25 at 11:17am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: is a 29er a good idea?

Posted By: Hutchi
Subject: is a 29er a good idea?
Date Posted: 19 Oct 12 at 5:10pm

im a 15 year old girl looking to get into some youth racing. I am a Assistant instructor and sail a rs500 for the past year with my dad at a club level. i have done allot of in club rs feva XL racing but the class racing outside that just seems too young! and fevas a little dull! so ive been looking at 29ers i have a friend i would sail with who is the same level of experience and is also 15... we are happy to do a year or two of getting to know the boat before we race it competitively. Is this a good idea or will we just find it too hard to control, and overpowering? also are we experienced enough? if not any alternative boat idea? Thanksss :)

Replies:

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 19 Oct 12 at 5:30pm

You'll have no trouble (apart from the fun, learning a new skill kind) with a 29er, I'd have thought. The main boats to suggest as alternatives are the V3000 and the RS 500, and you know one of those well by the sound of it. I'm sure you'll end up upside down a lot, but at 15 that is all part of the fun, isn't it?

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: cad99uk
Date Posted: 19 Oct 12 at 5:33pm

Hutchi,

It is the very best idea. Do it. Get one now. Sail it over the winter and you will be racing next season.

My wife sailed her 29er with our son when their all up weight was 15st.

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 19 Oct 12 at 5:35pm

I don't see why you shouldn't be able to handle the boat just fine. The only slight caveat is that some of our younger all girl crews have found themselves short of weight for righting a 29er. Ideally one of you should be heavy enough to pull the rig out of the water singlehanded so you can use the rig to windward technique in strong winds.