The Solution.

Wasnt there a breakup between the deigners or oweners of Red Eye Sails that developed the solution.  It was ages ago so cant remember the details.  Its such a shame as its a great little boat.

I think it floats very high when on it's side and it isn't that easy to get onto the plate or even reach the plate when in the water.  Puts the average club racer off  a bit.   

Edited by boatshed - 29 Sep 14 at 4:02pm

Perhaps it just wasn't different enough? Price, sailing experience, handling ashore and afloat, I never really saw it offering something you weren't going to get from a Solo, Byte, Streaker, OK, Laser Radial, Byte etc?

I always wanted a Solution from when they first came out, just looked the ideal boat for someone of my weight (76kg) but at the time there was a fleet of Vortexes on the Medway and with the introduction of the asymmetric kite that was ( in my mind) a great singlehander for the place.
I have now relocated to Norfolk and am sailing a Solution at Hickling Broad.
It is far more comfortable to sail than either a Solo or a Laser, tacks really quickly, is easy to depower in a blow with the raking rig  and as yet I am to find anything to dislike.
Yes it floats high after a capsize but the fitting of righting lines solves that problem; it doesn't capsize anything like as easily as a Laser or Solo so the problem doesn't occur as often.
Everyone who has sailed one seems to like it.
I think the problem is purely one of numbers; the main competition is from the Laser or Solo both of which still have a massive following and get huge numbers at Opens ( and class racing at many clubs). The Supernova and the Blaze are better for slightly heavier helms I think.
The Solution is run by the class association which is small so moving it forward takes a lot of hard work and dedication.
Yes, in light winds a well sailed Laser or Solo may be quicker, but as soon as the wind is "realistic" for racing the situation sorts itself out; I have won many races on handicap against all sorts of boats, I have even beaten Phantoms on the water and more through it being a great boat than my skills !
It is not the ideal boat for everyone and is probably better suited to inland and estuaries as opposed to the open sea, but it is great for me and I would urge everyone to have a go !

Yes you are probably right actually; there is no reason why it should not be good on the sea.
 I have not had the opportunity to sail on the sea so I take back my comment until I do .....

It is certainly not prone to nosediving ( well not on the Broads anyway), it is wide enough to hike without getting uncomfortable and it is certainly lots of fun downwind.

I would say it is also easier to move around on land than its direct competitors

You really need to try one !