More Laser talk

[jains15]

Hi. Looking for a toy to play with this summer, to complement my other boat - flying 15.

So due to crew trouble I will be sailing alone this season. So looking for a singlehander, but at 15st 7lb or 98kg in new money and just under 6ft am I too big for a Laser? I Do want to race so want to be in the weight range of whatever I do get so might it be better going for something a little more meaty like a phantom or OK?

The kicker is it's gotta be cheap as chips at less than 500 notes and so precludes anything new. Drawn to the laser by the plentiful supply and huge fleet. But worried it won't be suitable, any thoughts? Also no wood boats!
Cheers j

[sawman]

Right up to the point where you said the budget was £500, I was thinking Phantom.

For that budget a laser has to be the safest bet. I would be tempted by an OK, the boom/deck clearance looks tight but I am told it's not bad for tall folks - Nick Craig isnt short and he does well enough!!

Have you considered a solo?
you might also pick up a reasonable streaker in budget and you shouldn't need to worry about being overpowered

[jains15]

Thanks sawman. Yes the budget is the limiting factor at the moment, and of course there's the advantages of huge fleets and plentiful supply with the Laser.

Would definitely love a phantom but just don't think it will happen. I like the OK but only ever seen one in the wild and there's not many about so I would have to be lucky.

A friend had a streaker in his teens and he hated it, the name leaves you open to ridicule as well!

I Like the solo and see it as a mini enterprise which is what I had as a teen helm, but the chances of finding a local, plastic, cheap one with the right mast for my weight might be slim so am not pinning any hope on it.

Thanks again.

[Marcellus]

At our club we have a lot of "part time" Laser sailors who contribute to the fun (30 lasers on the start line on a wednesday evening) for exactly the same reasons as you're thinking of.

I don't see your height or weight being an issue to doing well either it will all depend on your abili to sail and mobility!!

As for the budget, for that sort of money you will be able to get a decent hull which is the critical part, possibly you can get one with some XD kit on, you'll probably want to get a new sail which alone could nearly spend all you budget.

However, in a few weeks time rumour has it that Laser Performance will be holding their annual one day sale and if you're going to go the Laser route it could well be worth a trip to get stuff, (each year i buy a new sail for around the £250 mark at it)