RS100 Prototype

Originally posted by turnturtle The question is beardy what's more important; choosing a boat because you are an ideal weight for it, or choosing a boat because it's the type you really want to sail? I have neither the skill nor the physique to be that competitive in anything, except maybe the drinking afterwards; so I'll go for the one that looks the most fun without being impossible to get best out of it. Downwid kite up, screaming reaches, not a knee-reka back up the slope, plenty of good talent to learn from, the odd muppet to have fun at the back with... Sounds like the RS100 fits the bill.

Hmmmm. That´s what I thought about with the National12´s I had. We
were well over crew weight most of the time, except when my daughter
crewed for me and even then 135 Kilos was on the top end of competitive.

I thought my lack of success was entirely due to my lack of proper boat
handling technique in the 12, until I discovered boats which took our
crew weight better, firstly the Tasar and now especially, the 59er. At that
point I started to get interested in getting up to the top part of the fleet
instead of just dreaming about it. The first race and last race of the year
we did with a combined crew weight of 165 Kilos in our 59er was a
handicap with 905 as yardstick. We were positioned 20th out of 36 boats
- we even beat a 49er - but actually came 10th over the line, mainly due
to yours truly muffing a gybe and capsizing.
However, next season will be better. The motto is now: "Have right
boat, want to win".

Originally posted by turnturtle The question is beardy what's more important; choosing a boat because you are an ideal weight for it, or choosing a boat because it's the type you really want to sail? I have neither the skill nor the physique to be that competitive in anything, except maybe the drinking afterwards; so I'll go for the one that looks the most fun without being impossible to get best out of it. Downwid kite up, screaming reaches, not a knee-reka back up the slope, plenty of good talent to learn from, the odd muppet to have fun at the back with... Sounds like the RS100 fits the bill.

All very sensible and I understand why that makes sense. However, if I got a 100 then I'd be the only person in teh club with one, but if I got a 300 I'd have some play mates as there are 2 or 3 already at the club. So it's different outcomes depending on which I find the most palatable. In all honesty though, its more than likely to come down to what I decide I can afford. For circa £3k I can get a full 300 outfit second hand, or for circa £7k (if I get a move on!) I can get a 100 with a launching trolley. (or I can get a ratty old Int Canoe for £800 but that way madness lies )

It's a shame really that I will be making a boat buying decision on financial grounds, but that's the reality for most of us.