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Old 02-17-2004
aflanigan aflanigan is offline
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What new dinghy should I buy?

JBR asks,

How''s a laser handle in 25 knots with gusts?

How does the water taste where you sail? You''ll find out on a laser in those conditions!

Seriously, Lasers are sailed yearround here on the Potomac (frostbiters wear wetsuits or drysuits), they go over easily in a gust but can be righted pretty easily. I wouldn''t sail one far from shore in such conditions, you can get fatigued capsizing and righting any boat after awhile. You''ll also get fatigued hiking out to balance your overpowered sail. I think Laser has different size sails meant for lighter skippers, so if you are packing "ballast" and had a smaller area rig, you''d be in better shape and less likely to be overpowered.

Someone once posted a query several months back about which sailing computer to buy to become a better sailor. I was tempted to tell him to invest his money on a used laser and race it for a season.

Have fun!

Allen Flanigan
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