Impressed by a dinghy.

[DJE]

Just got the kids a second hand RS Feva dignhy and had a go in it the other day. Very impressed by its speed, pointing ability, and its very forgiving nature. The little asymmetric kite looks like a joke but makes a huge difference off the wind. I suppose this is all down to a slippery hull and well cut sails. Are these modern boats really so much better than the Enterprises and GP14s of my youth or is it just my memory fading?

 

[aitchw]

The Feva is rapidly achieving an excellent reputation. We have a growing number at our club and it is being sailed by young and old alike, as doublehander for youngsters and singlehanded by older members. Of all the RS offerings the Feva and the 200 look set to have a rather longer life expectancy than most of the 'new' classes. It is well balanced, versatile and represents pretty good value and is a lot of fun.

In lots of ways it is better than the old classes but only in a racing context. It is not a boat for pottering or picnicking with the family.

I suppose if you design enough new boats you're bound to get a few right.

 

[Thistle]

Enterprises are still going strong (I race one throughout the summer) as are GPs. I wonder how many of the modern classes will still be about in 5, let alone 50 years?

We still get good class racing in Ents. Most modern classes seem to be around in penny numbers and are therefore consigned to handicap fleets: not my choice for good racing. There are exceptions - such as some of the RS boats you mention - but they are the exception rather than the rule.

 

[aitchw]

Agree totally with your comments and hope I didn't imply otherwise. The older classes are doing well in the face of all the new boats and long may it be so. However, it is obvious from the take up of the RS200 and Feva that thay have the potential for becoming new classics. Dinghy sailors don't persevere long with new designs that fall short of the mark and they quickly fade from the scene. These, I think, are here to stay.

 

[Goodge]

If you like the Feva , have a look at the Vareo. Obviously bigger but a good singlehander with a proper asymetric.

A good compromise between a Laser and a trapeze single hander like a RS600 / 700.

Haven't taken off like the Feva though.

 

[DJE]

You're right racing or playing off the beach only. Absolutely zero stowage. When I think of what we used to carry in our Wayfarer it starts to explain the difference in performance.

 

[jimi]

I've sailed the Vario and its seriously fun partic with with Asymetric up ... and its quite easy to right after inversion as well. What's not so fun is the price!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Now you need to have a go in my RS700...... that'll put a grin on 'yer face...... but I personally guarantee you'll get very very wet!

 

[Goodge]

Vareo

I must admit I do like them but there aren't any at our club so I bought a trusty old Laser. You've always got some one to race against.

I'm keeping an eye on the Vareo as I like the idea of the asymetric. I think Laser need to come up with something as the next stepping stone from a laser 1 that's not a full blown skiff style boat.

Skiff = swimming as far as I'm concerned !

 

[Mirelle]

I feel a bit outclassed...

...since I potter round in a Firefly!

I always fancied a 10 Sq M Canoe but no way I could manage one now!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Re: I feel a bit outclassed...

Hey,

You watch the youngsters match racing in Firefly's at my club, and it aint no game! they look marvellous fun for close quarters dinghy sailing....

 

[aitchw]

Re: I feel a bit outclassed...

Team racing is great fun and the Firefly is the boat on Uni circuit. I sail it's slightly bigger sister, an Albacore.

 

[Thistle]

No, it's probably me being (too?) quick to spring to the defence of proven classes, particularly one which continues to give me a great deal of fun.

It's maybe also a warning to anyone out there thinking of parting with their hard-earned cash: they may want to think twice before shelling out for a boat which may go out of fashion very quickly as has happened with many modern designs. Your post, and others in the thread, are helpful in suggesting a modern design which may avoid this pitfall.

 

[aitchw]

I'm not sure how certain Uffa Fox, Jack Holt et al would have been that their designs would still have the following they do after 50ys but it is a testament to their skill that they do.

It is hard to imagine boats like the Feva and RS200 achieving it but the Laser looks likely to so who knows? I believe they will if they deserve to and they have got off to a good start.

 

[DJE]

Well my two are twelve and thirteen years old so the Feva only has to stay in fashion for a couple of years then they are bound to want something else. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif