I have recently changed from a Laser 2000 to a Stratos and have instanly become more competitive in club racing. Prior to the change, I could make top three in stronger winds but couldn't get in the top 10 in light airs. (We have 12-16 boats in a normal race) Since changing in June, I have won my first ever race, and am now regularly in the top three, in both F5 and F1 conditions. I am one of the least experienced sailors at my club, although I do try very hard and study every article and book I can get my hands on. What are your experiences? and (on the Q T) what do we think of the handicap. A senior manager at Laser told me that he considers the Strat to be a 'Pot Hunters' boat leading me to believe that we are living on borrowed time with our current handicap. Myh club are already starting to ask questions as I appear to have upset a few of the 'old guard'!
We run on 1073 at the club... 'cos we use the trapeze and given sufficient breeze we can keep up with the RS400's up the beat ( they sail off 920) and regulary beat the RS200's on the water.. I suspect the handicap will go down over time... but it all depends on racing returns to the RYA... if there is a wide range of abilities using a Stratos to race, then the PY number will probably average out at about where it is now, but if only "pot hunters" use it then the number will most likely go down as the relative performance change will be noticed...
So we need to get everyone out racing.... and carry some sandbags! :-))
Two questions - 1. are you trapezing (which makes ahuge difference) and 2. Pond or sea?
I think my club were the only one who made a return last year (1083). I can certainly beat RS200's but finish "about right" against a competitive RS400 fleet. No trapeze and on the Thames Estuary.
I know that a number of pond sailors cannot sail to 1083.
check out the AGM 2003 minutes for discussion on this. The trapeze isn't base rig, so it wouldn't be unreasonable for your club to set a lower number if you are using it. Those of you who don't use the asymmetric could equally well ask for a higher number ...
How can you not use the Assymetric???? It's the most fun you can have with your wetsuit on!!
For the record, I sail on the sea at St.Ives in Cornwall. I fitted the wire shortly after getting the boat in June (370) but have not used it in a race yet. Tried it on a non race day in a F4 and had my crew wired up right across the bay (approx 2 miles) on a Kite reach without teabagging him once!
My club runs a system where you can 'select' your configuration before the race so I'll keep trapezing for the F3+ days.
PY rating
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Posted - 19 Sep 2004 : 00:11:52
