420?

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a Fireball, there are loads of competitive f'balls at great prices, last time I looked they were well spread out around the country and there is good class racing at many clubs or at the worst several other boats to play with.. Having a trapeze also makes it much more fun. I sold my last woodie f'ball for what I paid for it after 3 years racing and could have upgraded fairly cheaply to a Winder except I wanted a change.  But it is a great boat and for anything from say £500 upwards you'll get a great sail and plenty of others to play with!   Just a thought!

Buy whichever boat (which you can afford) most makes you get up in the morning and go "god dammit, i wanna go sailing"

Originally posted by Paramedic The only thing about the 420 and 29er is they're pretty much squaddie boats and not much else (29er less so i think). They are expensive to get into properly and once you're in your class racing is it training events and selectors only - or at least this is how it appears, when did you last see a 420 open meeting report? I'm sure the RYA training system is excellent, especially if you show promise and progress through the system, but the cost of travel, the boat and the time you need to put in may well take the fun out of it - sailing is something you should do because you want to not because you have to.

Yes, I have a committed crew. I'm thinking more towards the 200 as it is more in my price range and has more northern presence. Thanks for all the advice