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Opinions on the Europe and other things |
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Sam.Spoons
Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3398 |
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Quote Reply
Topic: Opinions on the Europe and other things Posted: 04 Jan 20 at 10:44am |
The Ent is a 'sit in' boat and very kind to older knees and hips and larger people. The OP is not particularly big (5' 10" and 15 stone or so) but finds the small cockpit of the Laser uncomfortable. In his case the Ent is probably not the best choice as he's a bit light for it solo but for the 22 stone/6' 6" sailor mentioned up-thread it could be ideal.
Lots of other alternatives too though, many also mentioned in this thread.
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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
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423zero
Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3406 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 04 Jan 20 at 11:00am |
Almost half the boats in Heron nationals last year were sailed solo, can't see a problem with it myself, whatever works for an individual sailor.
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Robert
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zeon
Far too distracted from work Joined: 20 Aug 16 Online Status: Offline Posts: 316 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 04 Jan 20 at 12:53pm |
There is a big difference between sailing a two man boat like a heron/mirror/gull or firefly singlehanded than sailing a larger boat like a enterprise.
Still think the op would be better off with a proper singlehander .
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Sam.Spoons
Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3398 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 04 Jan 20 at 2:38pm |
I have done both over the years and it's entirely a matter of size. The Ent I had in my 30's was no harder to singlehand than the Heron I had as a teenager, the only significant difference is that the upper wind limit is, obviously, lower. The Ent also has the option of a cruising rig or, if you're a cheapskate like me, you could scrounge a suit of Firefly sails from a mate and stick them on it. I taught my son to sail using just the Firefly mainsail and half centreboard to balance the boat.
We don't know precisely what his issues are that make the Laser uncomfortable but, I agree that if the OP can find a singlehander that suits him that would likely be a better option.
Edited by Sam.Spoons - 04 Jan 20 at 2:41pm |
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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
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423zero
Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3406 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 04 Jan 20 at 8:40pm |
People shouldn't be put off from sailing a dinghy that suits them, that allows them to sail with physical issues.
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Robert
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ColPrice2002
Far too distracted from work Joined: 25 Nov 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 222 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 05 Jan 20 at 9:33am |
When I was in my teens (yes, ages ago!), I was taught to sail in an Enterprise, first with the instructor, then solo.
By choosing a suit of sails suitable to the conditions it's perfectly ok to by singlehanded. IIRC, the Firefly rig is about 10sq.ft. smaller than the Ent, but the Firefly hull has moretendency to roll... I'm quite happy s/h in our Wanderer - it's the 14ft version of the Wayfarer, fitted with roller furling for the job, slab reefing for the main it's able to be sailed I'm different wind strengths. The traditional sailing dinghies (Ent, Firefly, Heron etc) over a more user-friendly type of accommodation than the "sit-on" modern designs like the laser, Zero etc.. Colin |
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craiggo
Really should get out more Joined: 01 Apr 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1810 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 05 Jan 20 at 5:22pm |
Sailing it is one thing, racing it competitively is another.
Most of us race our boats and don't just go out for a potter about. If you want to race a boat competitively a smaller set or flatter set of sails are not going to enable you to sail a doublehander competitively against a fully crewed competitive boat. My recommendation, take a good luck at the other singlehanders sailed at your club and have a go in a few, then make up your mind. |
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OK 2129
RS200 411 |
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423zero
Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3406 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 05 Jan 20 at 6:38pm |
If a person needs to sail an unusual dinghy due to ill health or other physical reasons, PY should be adjusted accordingly, they should not be disadvantaged.
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Robert
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Sam.Spoons
Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3398 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 05 Jan 20 at 6:51pm |
Ent is 10.7m2/115sq ft Firefly has 8.36m2/90sq ft is about 25sq ft smaller or a very useful 22% smaller.
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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
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GarethT
Really should get out more Joined: 21 Apr 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 714 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 05 Jan 20 at 7:53pm |
This guy is a similar size to most club laser sailors, but is looking for something a bit more comfortable.
In terms of bangs for bucks, I'd suggest a Supernova. The laser fleet at my old club pretty much all migrated to them, some via phantoms, and seem to love them. |
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