G'day, im looking at getting an NS14 or MG14 for next summer as a thing to sail with my missus or mates. I windsurf mainly but when its lighter i would like to get out in a dingy for a sail and maybe compete in casual comp sailing on Lake Macquarie. I grew up sailing a laser and my oldmans yatch and im keen to get something i can either sail with someone else or just singlehanded. Ive been looking at the NS14 as i think it would be the best option for what i want to do and when i cant find anyone to sail with i can go singlehanded. The thing is i dont know much about them and i would like to get some feedback and info on them..so if there is anyone out there who could help that would be appreciated.

Thanks, peto.

I raced NS in Sydney om the 80's - a very balanced and well designed boat. The min all up crew weight should be about 110kg - The association has a good website!

Hi Peto,

I am a NS14 junior sailing them out of Northbridge. Anyone that says that they are not exciting is wrong. They are great fun to sail without being uncontrollable. I direct you to the ns14 forums:

http://forum.ns14.org/

There are plenty of people willing to answer any questions you have, and I say that from experience.

Cheers,

Henry Kernot

quote:

---

Originally posted by henryk

Anyone that says that they are not exciting is wrong.

Cheers,

Henry Kernot

---

Well - it depends on what you call exciting. Don't get me wrong - I think they're great boats. I sailed them for 5 seasons, owned an aero 8, and aero 9 and a Tequila (and a dribbly Mk4b!). I raced states and nationals and have finished top 5 in both. Northies are good boats and have a better class association than most but they don't really deliver the same planing performance as some other skiffs. Where northies are exciting is in the close racing and skillful rig manipulation to get the most out of the rather limited sail area.