Re: looking for dinghy- Comet??

In message <1154768973.578126.184800@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, seabreeze <corriequk@xxxxxxxxx> writes
Thanks for suggestions. I will bear the lightning in mind, and consider
lasers again. Part of the reason for getting interested in the comet is
the deep cockpit - my knees aren't as good as they were, and thought it
might be easier to move around in. The interest in staying with what I
am familiar with is that I am used to lake sailing, and living near the
sea will probably join a club on the coast. Have some concern that
getting used to both sea rather than lake sailing, and also a centre
main might put me off, especially getting away from the beach in choppy
conditions.

The centre main works so much better once you've learnt to use it - avoid the temptation of a jammer though, as it leads to lots of capsizes... The Lightning goes well on the sea and being self-draining is a big asset in choppy water. Personally I'd recommend it over the Laser as a) it is much better behaved, b) everything about it is better quality and cheaper, and c) I'm biased! Also, the Laser has the worst of both worlds in it's sheeting arrangements - a bit at the back that gets caught, and a bit at the front to have to learn to use. It's trickier to rig than a Lightning as well.

I'd strongly suggest checking with an RYA school to see if you can get some tuition on a centre main, it would be easier than looking at some photos and trying to work out how to use it. The real drawback is ending up sitting on it in light winds - ouch!



peter wrote:
seabreeze wrote:
> Hi. Am looking for a cheapish boat, like the look of the comet as seems
> to have aft mainsheet. Budget up to £1000, needs to be lightish,
> easily handled, used to toppers and never quite got hang of centre
> mainsheet. Suggestions - offers?? Am based near Brighton.

I agree with the others - persevere with the centre main. Even comets
have a conversion available these days. 1000 pound will get you a half
decent laser,


--
Surfer!
Email to: ramwater at uk2 dot net
.

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