420?

Originally posted by Sam.Spoons Yup, and a 420 is much closer to a 200 (and a 400 or Buzz) than to a 29er FWIW. If you fancy a bash at international youth sailing the 420 or 29er is the way to go but if it's just a bit more class racing in the North of England then do a bit of googling for suitable open meetings and club results to find out where the fleets are. Sadly there is not very much open meeting action 'north of Watford" these days with most classes being concentrated in the South. If you are happy with handicap racing I'd have to agree that a 200 is probably the best bet (simply going off the turnouts at the L&LSC Icicle series). There are plenty of good guys at YDSC who could advise you, "Hector" (Keith E) of this parish sails a 29er at Yorkshire Dales (but he is actually just selling it I think).

Yeh that was unfortunately true for the buzz, it was always a long trek for any races against other buzzes. I'll ask around and see if I can get a go in a 200, yeh I believe he's just sold his. Thanks for the info.

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Yeh, I'll try and pm him. Well, I'm buying the boat myself so the 200 might be the better option, especially if I don't have to travel as far. Would you know who to talk to about the northern youth squads?

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?

Edited by Paramedic - 31 Jan 17 at 8:17am

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

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.