29er v. 420

Are these boats really about the same skill level? damp_freddie on another thread mentioned that the 29er would be a good class to go into after 420 if you wanted to sail a 49er, surely that suggests that the skill level needed is higher? Granted it's an asymmetric boat and you'd have to adjust to that, but still


Edited by HannahJ

While the 420 takes a certain amount of effort to sail it bolt upright, if you don't bother it will generally hang on until a large angle of heel and not capsize. I capsized my 420 once in two seasons of weekly racing.

A 29er, by contrast, felt to me almost like a two-man 300, with very little inherent stability, and a bit like trying to balance atop a tea-chest with the lid on! You have to rely on the boat's foils for stability, and that means keeping it moving!

A junior crew at our club could race their 420 in a F.5 . In their new 29er, they were capable of capsizing in in almost weather at first! Even after a couple of months they were still usually beaten on the water by the club's (admittedly good) Wayfarer.

I heard a rumour that the RYA was intending to drop the 29er as a youth boat on the basis that it was too tricky for the average youth, but then kept it to stay in line with the ISAF. I've no evidence for that, but it fits my observation. Of course, the top crews make it look quick 'n easy, but that's always the way, isn't it?!

 

420 all the way 

I think if i was small enough i would actualy prefer the 4twinky.  I always think a well sailed boat like a 505, 470, or even as little as the 420 going upwind in big breeze and big waves looks more impressive than its skiffy counterparts trying to do the same.  Although of course, when you turn round onto the downhill slide, i know where my heart really lies. 
As for skill level, initially the 29er will take longer to learn but i really do believe to get it absolutely right and going at its best, the 4twinky takes a higher skill level. 

Edited by Doug.H

I wasn't thinking of buying either, but agreed 420s are fun on very tight reaches when the helm refuses to go dead downwind as you can with a symmetric