I'm about to buy a Laser and I'd like to make sure I get the right rig. I know that there are quite a few threads on ideal weight already but I can't seem to find a definitive answer to my question. I'm sixteen, 5'10", 150 lb/68 kg, and quite fit. I think that puts me in the ideal weight range for a radial, maybe a little light. I predict that I'll be putting on a bit of weight in the next couple of years. I sail in the Olympic Northwest, and we get a prevailing wind of about 10-13 knots building to 20 and then dying off in the evening. I'm not sure what the winds are for the regatta venues in my area (Bremerton, Seattle, Anacortes, etc., and the Columbia River Gorge where it blows stink all day). So my question is, should I buy a radial and use that until I outgrow it? Or should I buy a full rig assuming I'll grow into it? Will I be overpowered in a radial over 15 knots anyway? One theory I've seen is that if I'm training really hard on a rig that's too powerful, when I grow into it I'll be able to sail with comparative ease.
I'd love to hear your input!
Ian
I'd love to hear your input!
Ian