I am in a position to buy my next boat, however am not sure yet as to exactly what it will be.
I have plenty of sailing and racing experience as I grew up through Sabots, 420's and then Lasers whilst my old man owned a Dragon. I have been sailing recreationally for the past 5 years or so on my Nacra 5.8 which can be rather WILD at times!

I want to sail and race something fast and challenging whilst not too much
"of a handfull".
I live in Perth and have started looking at what fleets are around through the different clubs.

At this stage I am leaning towards buying a 49er.
HAs any one got any advice, reccomendations pros/cons of the 49er

I have never sailed a skiff but would love to.
I will be going halves in a "weapon" as I already have the perfect crew.

What would you reccomend???

Muchos Gracias

^^^ Hey bevo, Its refreshing to read your reply. I did a search of you tube and was wondering how the hull size and lenth compared with my 5.8. Its a little hard to judge in video.
Yeh , I definatly like the look of them and will do a little more reasearch .
Woulda been a good day for a sail today eh I like it on the edge of outa controll!
Originally we were keen to buy a dingy /skiff but now Im all confused. lol.
Will keep you posted and maybee take you up on your offer.

Cheers,
Kearnsy

Hey hey
I Am pretty sure 5.8 is 19 feet and the F18 is obviously 18 foot so 1 foot smaller but wider. I think the speeds upwind are comparable but when you get the kite up there is no contest we give the 5.8,s a woooopin.
I have only just got back into sailing myself after a 10 year sit out and now have done 1 season on the F18 and its excelent. Very social also we all love a beer. We sail windward leward courses (same as skiffs) coz the boats are overpowered with the kite up and we trap downwind. I believe that the speed of an F18 is similar to that of a 18ft skiff. I took a international 14 for a blast the other day. Dont get me wrong they are a very exciting boat but really hard work and I was glad to pack it up when I finished. And at the end of the day it felt fast but the F18 on the same day is faster and a little less work for the same satisfaction ha ha.
So I am pretty sure we are sailing at freo sailing club on the 11th of july come down and have a look. They have a 49er also you could compare. I will have to confirm the 11th as it is a designated re-sail day and I am not sure?? Keep looking on you tube at the boats you like and it should help
Cheers
Bevo
p.s. the last couple of days were awesome windsurfing weather pity I have not seen too many out. I dont have one