Solo.

General chat about boats
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trebor
Posts: 961
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2012 1:53 pm
Location: West Midlands

Solo.

Post by trebor »

Their is a Solo (wooden) at our club, how easy are they to sail?
I have searched site, I read a post, I think it was to Nessa, something about Mast rake, are they a pain to set up?
This boat is stored inside, their are 2 Sails, a Dacron and a weird one made from see through plastic with, it looks like adjustable Battens?
The controls are fed to both sides.
Is weight of Helm an issue?
Robert
Minisprint 4230
Tinker Traveller 160
Mirror 61147 Anastasia
http://www.aquabatdinghy.co.uk
phil58490
Posts: 203
Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2012 1:23 pm
Location: Kellow, Looe, Cornwall

Re: Solo.

Post by phil58490 »

Solos are nice boats but I might be biased as I have had five, reasonably stable and mild mannered but perhaps a bit slow compared to some modern designs.

You don't need to worry too much about mast rake unless you are a top class competitive sailor. The older boats - pre FRP construction cannot achieve quite as much rake as the newer boats as they moved the front tank a few millimetres forward raking the mast back which has the disadvantage of limiting the space under the boom. The rig is set up without any rig tension - sounds weird but you can read about setting it up on the class website, http://www.solosailing.org.uk
Keeping your weight forward is the key to getting the boat to go in lighter winds as it it too easy to enjoy the space at the back end and sink the transom slowing the boat down.
I had a clear film sail and found it hard to read in light airs and used a dacron sail instead in less than force two.
Mast types with sails to match the bend will make a difference to the ideal weight of helm person, a softer mast and suitable sail for lighter people but can be sailed by a wide weight range 65 - 100+ kgs.
There are techniques for sailing upwind in heavy weather, using more downhaul on the cunningham than you think it is capable of taking, half centreboard and letting the traveller well off will see you making good progress. Lastly positive gybing at max speed - half hearted gybing will be very rocky and likely tip you in.
Easy enough to right after a capsize, a bit high out of the water but if you don't try to climb over and stay dry (L*ser style) and the boat will come up nearly dry.


Edited to correct typos and ask, is it for sale as I am looking for one having sold my last one when I moved house a I had too much other stuff to move and now regret it.
Just across the Tamar in South East Cornwall

Solo 4928
Solo 3406
Hit 5 Sold
User avatar
trebor
Posts: 961
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2012 1:53 pm
Location: West Midlands

Re: Solo.

Post by trebor »

This boat could be for sale, it's more or less abandoned, it's in beautiful condition, on a combination trailer, I will find out.
Robert
Minisprint 4230
Tinker Traveller 160
Mirror 61147 Anastasia
http://www.aquabatdinghy.co.uk
User avatar
trebor
Posts: 961
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2012 1:53 pm
Location: West Midlands

Re: Solo.

Post by trebor »

Phil,
I have made enquiries, boat is not for sale, this boats not been on water for 12 years, however owner is paid up, so we appear to be stuck with it for moment.
Robert
Minisprint 4230
Tinker Traveller 160
Mirror 61147 Anastasia
http://www.aquabatdinghy.co.uk
phil58490
Posts: 203
Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2012 1:23 pm
Location: Kellow, Looe, Cornwall

Re: Solo.

Post by phil58490 »

Thanks for letting me know, if the position changes I might still be interested.
Just across the Tamar in South East Cornwall

Solo 4928
Solo 3406
Hit 5 Sold
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