Thoughts on competitive helm weight?
Afternoon all,
I’ve just come back to the class after last sailing a solo 14 years ago. I’ve picked up an old wooden boat (3626, m7 mast with old edge Dacron/laminate mixed sail and 3050 max mast position against bulkhead) as a way of seeing if it’s still for me before committing to a decent frp boat.
post covid I’m heavier than I’d like- coming down rapidly from 15 stone and hoping to settle around 90kg of useful mass!
I see the top helms range from circa 12-13 stone but regularly race on big ponds/sea
My perhaps tricky question is; what’s a competitive weight within the class to aim for?
I’ll be the only solo racing at my club- York SC on the river Ouse so it’ll be more training and handicapping than proper competition - I’d like to get back up to speed and come and play at the opens in a better boat . Just very aware that if the competitive weight across the spread of venues is less than I’m likely able to get down to then I may be better placed looking at other classes like a Finn?
Thanks,
John.
@John Hartshorn the difference in the double floor wooden boat is significant . For sure on flat water and sub planing conditions I can " stumble" my Miles up to the front of my club fleet. And the lack of belief by most of the rest means prices are crazily low ( if you have a mid winter home for her)