Reply To: Lightweights
I remember when 11-12 stone was considered the optimum weight for an OK & 13 stone guys were on the heavy side! I guess with the newer rigs we’re generating more power but a quick glance at the Worlds Gear Survey shows a couple of 75kg sailors in the top 20 & 1 in the top 10.
If Bill B is the same Mr Bradburn I remember from a few years ago he was pretty quick in most conditions!
So although the new rigs will support a heavier crew I think Bill’s right in saying a fit lightweight with a well setup rig should be able to hang onto the big guys upwind in a breeze – and downwind in marginal planing conditions I suspect you’d have the edge.
I don’t think the differences in hull shapes are significant enough to worry about. Something a bit fuller in the bows like a Hoare or a Hein might require more power upwind but the 75kg guy at the Worlds was in a Hein so its obviously not a big deal!
I wish I was 12 stone again!
