One for the Dinghy Sailors/Racers

[Jmracing66]

I'm looking to get back into sailing after a 10 year absence. I used to sail a 470 and was a reasonable helm back in the day.

I'm looking to buy a singlehander now so i dont have to rely on someone else to be available.

I think an RS600 might be a bit much for me, but I like the look of the RS700 or maybe a Blaze ?

Any other suggestions of one man boats that aren't too hard to sail ? I'm happy to have something that will prove a challenge to start with.

[stoneshed]

No offence but how 'big' are you, where will you be sailing and how much are you looking to spend??

I sail a Phantom which is designed for 'larger' sailors of 80kg and up (national cahmpions over last 10 years are everything form low 70kg to over 100kg), if you are too big for a Laser this is the way to go, its a non kite hiker that goes just as well on a pond as the open sea. You have option of wood, polyester, epoxy or wood/epxoy hybrid hull, carbon or aluminium mast & boom and dacron or laminate sails. They are now made by Ovington and a brand new one with full carbon is about £9k, but for £3-3.5k you can get a very competative epoxy boat with carbon rig. Hull weight is 61kg so very light for its size

Blaze is very close alternative with racks to make hiking easier and they also make the Blaze Fire thats same hull with smaller sail or the Blaze Halo thats same hull with bigger sail, otherwise its the Laser route, or the Devoti D1 or D0 if you don't want the kite, RS have just released the Aero in 3 sizes which are getting good reviews as a modern alternative to the laser, or theres the Finn if you have unlimited budget, or the Solo if you want to go slow in a big fleet.

If you want trapeezing then Musto Skiff is an option to the 700, or dump the wire and goballs out with a foiling Moth!

To be honest best thing to do is decide where you are going to sail it, go to the club and see what fleets they have, give one a go and purchase based on this as the options are nearly endless :-)

• EDITED TO ADD*

Phantom Nationals are on the River Blackwater in Essex 5-7th Spetember, if you are near by, come over have a look and a chat, might even get you a go in one if you want :-)

Edited by stoneshed on Friday 29th August 15:21

[Jmracing66]

Well its a small world...Im in Essex, and was looking to join up at Blackwater sailing club as and when I get a boat.

Im around 90KG and 6'4 tall. I think I would be more sensible to try the non trapeze boat to start with...I'm quite happy swimming but dont want to spend all my time in the water whilst my skills are a little rusty.

Thanks for the offer, I'll check the dates and PM you closer to the time if I can make it along, It would be good to have a chat and at least look over a couple of boats.

I believe BSC have a few RS700s and 10 or so Blazes in the fleet ? I was thinking of spending something between £2-4K

Cheers.