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astanislaus
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Jun 2012 : 21:03:45
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Hello,
Being fairly new to the class I thought I would share some inital thoughts on the Stratos CB from both a racing and crusing/training point of view. We are a family of five with three boys aged 4, 7 and 10. I was the only sailor in the family but the children are keen and my wife is very tolerant..
Thats the background, next why did we settle on a Stratos CB:
1) Wanted something which could fit us all in and act as a family picnic boat.
2) Wanted to be able to compete at club level
3) Light enough that I can launch and recover with a young family.
4) Simple/quick to rig.
5) No maintenance worries
Alternatives I looked at included:
Wayfarer – sorry, asymmetrics are the future... ; Recovery from capsize more of a faff; slower Ok so there isn't much in it; thought it was too heavy but in fact it is about the same weight, Expensive for a competitive example(?). Wayfarers are good boats too.
Laser Stratos Keel - too heavy; Laser2000 - too small, RS400 - my heart wanted one but didn't make sense otherwise.
What I think now:
The Reefing system, build quality, Recovery from Capsize, on water handling and false floor are all outstanding.
She has exceeded all bar one expectation : Weight is the only elephant I could find in the room, we sail ours on a gravel pit which means shallow slipways so no problems. However I'd suggest that recovery from most coastal slipways is not possible for one adult and many could be tricky for two. The solution in most cases is to rope in an onlooker or if not possible use a car. I’d be interested in anyone’s experience with larger/wider launching trolley wheels – think options are limited.
Racing was the biggest surprise, our fleet at Whitefriars SC is PY handicap and expected to be wallowing around at the back but instead I'm duking it out with the lasers, laser 2000 and many others, this means we are always at least in the pack having close racing. Next step the nationals, can’t wait for some one design racing!!
Adrian Stanislaus
Stratos 926 - Rastamouse
"Makin' a bad start good"
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Why the Stratos is the right boat for us
