J/80 - fun return to sailing

[rossb]

So after decades long break from sailing did RTI 7 weeks ago and a day at Cowes and then after a survey ended up with this last week. Wanted a fun day boat to whizz around in and be suitable fun for getting back into some light hearted round the cans action. It is surprisingly stable - believe only Cat B sportsboat - really easy to sail and have only sailed it for a few hours so far but it is really responsive - sees a wave downwind and that speedy hull just wants to release! It's not bad upwind either and is well balanced without much weather helm even when overpowered

Have only sailed it double handed so far without getting the asymmetric up - but have some mates coming down next weekend so hopefully will have my first taste of an asymmetric kite. Other half now realises it is more performance than cruiser orientated after a night on-board - but i have hopefully successfully explained it's speed means more scope to visit other places in the Solent for lunch.

Listless expression at work - boat gear catalogues now strewn all over my desk - regular checks on weather forecasts/reviewing videos of boats racing - countdown to next weekend ticking away - return to addiction on course....

[NickCQ]

So you bought my boat's big sister in the end. Glad to hear you are enjoying it.
I recognise the same symptoms of the new boat owner!



Game faces on RTI:

[rossb]

NickCQ said:

So you bought my boat's big sister in the end. Glad to hear you are enjoying it.
I recognise the same symptoms of the new boat owner!

Yeah - it's older and bigger probably not as sharp - now you had time with yours can you manage the kite 2 up - assuming light winds? - seen various vids on youtube of guys managing solo(!) - just wondered from real world experience.

also do you run a battery for tac tic etc - do you charge it periodically or have a solar panel fitted?

survey brought up a few things to do for winter - but am still in honeymoon period - so it's not an endless ongoing list of tasks - just opportunities to hone
the sharp edges and make her a better boat ; )

seeing boats like yours disappear round south of island - made my me decide on what type of boat i needed!