To answer your key points a little more objectively:-

 

Q  Will it be beyond my ability for a few years?

 

A;  The Aero is like a lot of boats: to sail it is straightforward, & easier than some, though it's lightness does mean some initial difficulties: it capsizes readily on launch & recovery, and whilst righting from a sailing capsize is easy re-boarding needs the 'seal flop'; well documented on the forum.  To sail it well I am finding is taking longer; I am similar weight to yourself, & hadn't sailed regularly for 10 years before buying my Aero.  I had not previously sailed a Laser or other single hander regularly; my principal experience being catamaran crew; so am a similar level of  skill regarding the Aero.

 

Q:  Is it too fragile for the longer term reliability?

 

A;  I do not believe so.

The hull construction carbon / kevlar reinforced foam core is used in many long lasting high performance, and consequent highly stressed boats.  By comparison I have friends who sail Lasers,GRP construction, who change their hulls every few years!!  

The  sail though Dacron does seem to be standing up to regular flattening for strong wind Bft 5 + & light wind sailing Bft 2 -.   I have been sailing mine most Sundays, 4 races, and Wednesday evenings 1 race, for 3 months now, & I don't see any noticeable creasing or stretching (bagging) yet.  RS say they use a heavy denier Dacron specifically to get a longer life.  By contrast I know of front of nationals fleet competitors in other Dacron sail boats who wouldn't dream of attending a 5 day nationals without a new set of sails; which they would then either junk or sell on after.  Apart from the stretch on the rig & sailing stresses, gusts, righting from capsize, etc, allowing a sail to flog shortens its life dramatically.

With the sail sliding up a slot on the mast my Aero's sail spends very little or no time  flogging each time I sail.

By comparison with a Laser my impression is that the Aero rig imposes less stress on the, sail.  Others may be able to be more specific on this point. 

 On the reliability of rigging components: blocks, cleats, cordage, etc. the jury is still out, as the boats is still so new.  BUT the class rules do allow upgrades and substitutions, within the limit that the mechanical advantage & layout of the original be maintained.  

 

I hope this helps.

 

Rgds 

 

2. Due to its flexibility with different sails you will have endless arguments with the family about whose turn it is to go out.

3. With the materials used there will be no sanding and painting and therefore you will have nothing to do all winter.

4. The members of your sailing club may not talk to you because they're jealous.

5. The boat is so light that your family will be able to handle it on they're own and you will become surplus to requirements.

6. Being a small pond you won't have any waves to surf down you'll probably end up planeing everywhere which can get boring

7. Most of the other RS Aero sailors, like me, don't have a sense of humour.

Oh go on buy one just to prove me wrong!

Have fun, you will enjoy. Vic Simpson 1070