Choosing an Olympic Class

some dude

Super Anarchist
4,180
173
Tell you what...next time some dude asks for a non-olympic class boat that he can sail with his husband, then you tell everyone how wonderful 505 land is and I will remain silent . Deal ?
Yes, next time I ask that question, tell me all about the 505 which I'm sure is a great boat, good people sail it, etc. meanwhile it sounds like the OP needs a Finn

 

Pete M

Super Anarchist
8,778
3
So Cal
thing is - anyone that wants an Olympic class boat is an idiot - and if they have Olympic aspirations, which is the only reason to get one,

and, if they are not good enough already, and already know the answer - then they are double idiots

 

Pete M

Super Anarchist
8,778
3
So Cal
further- there is one 49er in Santa Barbara, a couple of lasers, and one race a year for the non Olympic class star

closest finn races are in Long Beach - which is only 120 miles away...

 

BalticBandit

Super Anarchist
11,114
36
And if you are having to ask about "what olympic class fits XXX" - then

a) you have not done the research on understanding what the Oly classes are

B) don't have a clue as to what it takes to be competitive in an Oly class

and when you add the "c" I don't want to travel much....

What it says is that you really don't know what you are asking for. and that what it really sounds like is that you are asking for what sort of sailing class for your bodytype would give you the highest level of competition

 

Reht

Super Anarchist
2,758
6
Olympic classes are not worth it unless the fleet activity is close to home for you or you really want to campaign.

I've been sailing the 49er North Eastern circuit for 3 or so years now and I'm a little bigger than you (which puts me miles out of contention for correct weight unless I find an opti kid to drive). The only reason I've stuck with it for so long is that of the 8 or 9 events in the area none is more than 6 or so hours drive for me. And at least for 2 years we had a fleet of 7 boats at my home club, when your average olympic class event (lasers excluded) off the world circuit is about 10-15 boats, being able to race in a fleet of 6-7 a few times every week was almost as much fun as the regatta 6 hours away.

I would not join in an Olympic class unless there is a proper local fleet (say at least 5 boats that are out racing 3 times per week) and/or you're willing to travel and put in the practice time. There are local fleets anywhere sailing is practiced that will give you better competition for less money.

 
My impression is the guy wants to learn to sail at an extremely high level..... Goal the Olympics? I dk but would support anyone trying to get on the water. Best way to learn is to be in a fleet with great sailors and in boats that are more technical. 505 in CA is that boat. You want to learn to sail a boat in the Olympics then surround yourself with talent and learn from them....then learn to beat them. Then transfer your skills.

Finn sounds like a good fit but I can't speak to the strength of the class. I would recommend getting involved in the stronger fleets in your area and go from there. I voiced above , to me, what is the NO BRAINER boat IMHO.

 
O

One of Five

Guest
Mate the Olympic classes are for midgets. As has been stated here a few times, the only class at the Olympics for normal sized people, (6'3" 200+) is the Finn.
This in spades.

Everything else is built for the vertically challenged. Stunning but there it is.

 
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