Weight Limit for a Dart / Sprint 15

[BigPagey]

Dear All

I am considering getting back into sailing after many years and I have always wanted a cat. I have looked around and narrowed it down to the Dart Cats as I want to start off gently and not purchase something that will be too much for a novice. I am considering the Dart 15 and 18. I will mostly be sailing single handed but on the odd occasion I will have a crew along for the ride.

The only issue I have is that I used to play Rugby and I am 6 foot 5 Tall and weighing in at about 18 Stone. ( it is gradually coming down but will never go below 16 stone) I know that this is very heavy for a Cat and that I will not be at the front of the fleet unless it is blowing Force 8. Which Cat would suit me better the 15 or the 18?

Thanks

Chris Page

[Simon Giles]

Hi Chris

To be "at the front of the fleet" you are probably too big for both .

If however you are looking to have fun in a boat you can easily handle in a fleet of sailors of all sizes and abilities, with an active enthusiastic class association to give you support and advice.

Then go for a 15 !

Simon

[Gary]

Hi Chris,

I'm 6'3" and nearly 16 stone. In the light winds at Brightlingsea this year, I scored a 7th, showing that weight isn't a prohibitve handicap. This result is also borne out by club racing results. The 15 would be a very good choice and think of the fun you'll have when the wind does blow! Furthermore, 'Gentlemen of generous proportions' get their own sub-category/prize at the nationals, so all to race for.

I can't comment on sailing an 18 single handedly, so I'll leave that to 18 sailors, but I would ask the following (in this order)

Is there a 15 fleet where you sail - if yes, then go for this
Is there an 18 fleet where you sail - if yes, get them to sell their boats, buy 15's and see above
Do you have experience of/enjoy trapezing ? optional on the 15 but probably mandatory on the 18.
Are you a racer or cruiser, because handicap racing can be a bore. Try and find a fleet to race in if you can.

All the best
Gary

[BigPagey]

Thanks For the replies, I am situated not to far from Grafham and I understand they have a good 15 fleet there, I would be looking to get a boat in the spring of next year and start sailing then. It osounds as though the 15 fleet is more active than the 18 fleet?