Messages

Dear All,
Just to give you some feedback on the original post we are really enjoying our Crusader - N3247.  We have sailed in a mixture of conditions and are starting to generate some better boat speed, but still have a long way to go.
We can't really justify a new set of sails, but was wondering whether anybody had a decent second set for sale.
Garth & Tim
 

Jim,
I am interested in some new sails for my Crusader (N3427) and am coming to Germany in late Jul 08.  Would you be prepared to sell them?
Garth

After all the graterful advice I can now report that I have just had my offer accepted for N3247 Rascal (Crusader), so I am really looking forward to joining the clan.
I picked up from some earlier threads that older boats have different PY handicaps.  Does anyone know what 3247 should be, so that I can inform the Sailing Committee.
 

Thanks for your comments Angus.
It really nice how everyone so willingly gives advice.  I am hoping to look at the Rough Diamond at the weekend.  From what I have heard it should be a solid starter boat from which to graduate into something more exotic should my son get the bug.  The odd open meeting at Salcombe would be fun and I could probably keep Phil company.
Garth

 
 

Thanks Tim.
I have done a reasonable amount of dinghy racing (6 years in a laser but also wayfarers, albacores & sport 14) and even had a moth for a while in my late teens!  I'm certainly a bit slower now and my son is a relative novice, so will have a look at both Crusader & RD if we can.  '3247 Rascal' is for sale in Devon, which isn't too far away.
Final question if I may.  Following a capsize, I guess 12's come up with quite a lot of water in them or are they relatively dry like a Bosun we used to instruct in.  I know boats like wayfarer and sport 14 are a real pain getting water out.  Just thining 3-4 years ahead when my son might helm and daughter crew.
Thanks again.
Garth

Thanks for your advice Tim.
We sail on the Helford River in Cornwall, which does have quite a strong tide and generally need to beat back upstream against a southwesterly.  Pleased to hear that our weight etc is about right.
I note your comments about the Crusader as a good all rounder.  However, as far as the Rough Diamond is concerned are you able to explain why they are a bit tippier, please.
Any further advice from other 12 sailors would also be welcomed. 
Thanks again.
Garth

I am after some advice please.
My 9 year old son wants to start crewing and I was considering a National 12 for mixed handicap racing on our local estuary.  We have a mixed fleet:- lasers, solos, wayfarers, toppers (and others).  We sail on an estuary results in relatively flat water with lots of beating and runs, with limited reaching. 
How competitive are N12s on PY? - I have seen a local rough diamond for sale @ £600, (which seems good value) but not sure about is PY?.Would our type of course be suited to N12? and as far as weight goes @ 18st, would we be OK for 2-3 years.
Any comments would be gratefully received - you guys certainly have a fantastic website.
Garth
(PS my other pastime is a Projection 762.  like a big dinghy with up to 16 knots offwind in a good blow)