Dinghy racing for OAP's

[boomerangben]

Warning: arm chair advisor here!
When pondering this myself, it’s the Phantom that caught my eye, mainly for weight and looks more comfortable than a laser. But there is no club racing where I live so I remain in the arm chair (and a Bayraider expedition)

 

[Beelzebub]

I'm an OAP and have been refurbishing my old Fireball with a view to racing that again. I remember all the aches and pains that I used to suffer after a windy race when in my 20s and 30s, so it will be interesting to see how I cope these days!

 

[dancrane]

Good for you, Beelzebub! Never too old...look at this chap, another Fireballer, aged 72 apparently...

 

[Beelzebub]

Back in 1989 I had the privilege of meeting Marcel Buffet, twice 505 world champion and also ex champion in UK, France...

Marcel continued racing his 505 until he was 86 years old. An absolute gentleman and I was greatly saddened by news of his death at 87 years old.

https://voilesetvoiliers.ouest-fran...l-buffet-98349780-1286-944f-9b16-20efb2b63fa6

 

[ianc1200]

Try a Hadron H2, built very close (Simon Hipkins) and good for your knees

Sorry - I hadn't noticed this. He is very local to me (hadn't realised) and he's sent me an email with his very helpful views + I've been watching him most weeks in his orange International Canoe.

 

[temptress]

I fancy having a go at dinghy racing. Sailed my cruisers/smacks boat locally on East Coast (Walton on the Naze) but our club are very active in their various series of races. I am thinking (& probably will do) buying a Laser but a friend who also races suggests a Laser not great for elderly backs/knees, etc, she suggests I buy her Super Nova (seems just a faster Laser to me). Any thoughts?

if Dinghy racing you need a local class...handicap racing is not that much fun in a dinghy.

buy a boat that yupr.club has a class or at least a lot of that type to race against.

 

[Daydream believer]

Warning: arm chair advisor here!
When pondering this myself, it’s the Phantom that caught my eye, mainly for weight and looks more comfortable than a laser. But there is no club racing where I live so I remain in the arm chair (and a Bayraider expedition)

Sold my Phantom last year. Regretted it immediately. I had a laser 20 years ago & there is no comparison. The Phantom is Soo much more fun with loads to tweak. .But it can be a handfull & is a real killer on the knees. The laser is faster to rig & I bought it for Thursday night racing where time was short- arrival, departure etc.- but that is about it. Now I am 75 I found that I could not sail the Phantom in more than 10 kts. Mainly because I was short of practice- being cruiser orientated. My son is class chairman, so there is a connection. So if I want to race in the club fleet I will have to revert to my Squib. Now that really shows my age.

 

[The Q]

if Dinghy racing you need a local class...handicap racing is not that much fun in a dinghy.

In a dinghy I've rarely not sailed in a Handicap race, and would totally refute your suggestion that it's not enjoyable....

 

[jon711]

Sorry - I hadn't noticed this. He is very local to me (hadn't realised) and he's sent me an email with his very helpful views + I've been watching him most weeks in his orange International Canoe.

Not a problem, if you get one then Simon owes me a beer next time I see him!

 

[seadog30]

I fancy having a go at dinghy racing. Sailed my cruisers/smacks boat locally on East Coast (Walton on the Naze) but our club are very active in their various series of races. I am thinking (& probably will do) buying a Laser but a friend who also races suggests a Laser not great for elderly backs/knees, etc, she suggests I buy her Super Nova (seems just a faster Laser to me). Any thoughts?

With bad knees and back I tried radio control model yatch racing !!. The racing in most clubs is very close and serious fun.

You can start at very low cost with a one design i.e. a Dragon Flite 95 for approx £350 is a good start.

Have a look at mya-uk.org.uk

Good luck