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01/04/2018 07:13:00
Chris Hughes
Posts: 16
31/03/2018 21:27:00
Peter Barton
Posts: 4676
For what it’s worth, we have kept our mast up for the 6 warmest months of the year, three years running, and the only weathering we can detect has occurred on the various labels that the mast comes with. Other than that, the coating appears to be doing a great job of protecting the carbon from UV damage.
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09/03/2018 03:29:00
david
Posts: 64
Thought I'd wade in on this since I'm a similar age and weight profile to some of the contributors - age 60, 5' 8" and about 82kg.
When I got my first Aero 1060 3+ years ago I sailed mainly the 9 rig which was fun but only competitive (for me) in our handicap fleet if the wind was under about 12 knots. I now sail the 7 maybe 90% of the time because it is very competitive on handicap in the conditions we normally get here on the North Sea coast of Scotland. Good to have both rigs though - I still sail the 9 for fun in the right conditions for one-off events or if the result doesn't matter for a series.
I'd always store the boat with the mast down for several reasons - in case I change rigs for the next event, to limit mast exposure to the elements and UV and also leaving the mast up significantly increases the chances of the boat blowing over in the dinghy park even if tied down. However I prefer a mast-up cover so can leave the mast up overnight during events etc. It is a more flexible arrangement.
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08/03/2018 11:00:00
Posts: 0
I like the 'responsive' not 'tippy' comment. describes it perfectly.
I always take the mast down except possibly at championships. The boom up cover works well boom down as well.
I'm about 75 kg (age 64) use 9 rig unless it is solidly 20 knots but I sail inland. On the sea I'd probably drop down at 15 kn. 7 rig in anything.
Launching takes practice depending on your shoreline. Probably the hardest part is launch.recovery if you don't have a nice sandy beach. (We have concrete reservoirs sides).
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06/03/2018 23:45:00
Gareth
Posts: 170
Hi Chris,
Welcome to the Aeros , we are. just moving down to Warsash so look forward to seeing you at the club and on the water. Any questions whilst you go through setting up just ask. Andy 1792
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04/03/2018 06:45:00
Andy.hill
Posts: 1
I’d go with the mast up cover. This allows you to leave mast up at open meetings, but take mast down during the week for UV protection. Use a small piece of plastic pipe that fits in the mast hole about the same diameter as the lower section, that sticks out a foot of so to fit the mast opening around. Mine has a slot in to take a lengthways support for the centre of the cover to stop the rain collecting. Means you can keep the mast and foils at home for protection. Best of both worlds!
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03/03/2018 20:23:00
Posts: 0
After managing to get to Ally Pally after all, I have ordered an Aero with both 7 and 9 rigs - Yay!! It is my 60th birthday present to myself (I am actually 60 on 31st March) - delivery week after 31st, as am away that weekend.
And then the fun begins ;-)
Still undecided on flat cover or mast up cover - even tho have ordered a mast up cover at the moment (can be changed). I can see pros and cons for either scenario.
Mike - I am at Warsash but good to know there are some Aeros at Weston. :-)
Roll on April - I wonder what sail number it may be?
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03/03/2018 19:05:00
Chris Hughes
Posts: 16
Hi Chris
I sail at Weston SC on Southampton water. Have a few years on you.
1. I weighed 80kg when I purchased my Aero about 15 months ago. Now weigh 76kg. All that sailing has an effect.
I have just the 7 rig, which is suitable for all condition on the sea.
2. The aero is not tippy, but you will have to move and anticipate gusts. Downwind just get your weight back.
3. I alway take the mast down to protect the carbon mast from UV, which was always a problem with my 800. Very quick to rig and de-rig.
4. We have three Aero's at Weston, you would be very welcome to join us.
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03/03/2018 16:58:00
Mike0rea
Posts: 58
Hello Chris,
I'm 59 and near 90kg, Like your plan, I ordered my Aero at the Dinghy Show with a 7&9 rig. Last year, I also bought a 5 rig to enable me to go out in windy weather, it's a great little rig. I wouldn't worry too much about capsizing since I found that after a bit of practice you can sail the boat in "safe mode" if you really don't want to go over. I store my boat with the mast up, an unhurried rig change takes 10 minutes(I timed it). With regards to the Aero, I think responsive is a much better term than tippy, nearly all my capsizes have been downwind (gybing and bad helming). When I ordered my boat, I was able to get a fleet discount because there were already Aeros at my club, you may be able to do the same.
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03/03/2018 08:31:00
Robert Holdway
Posts: 18
Thanks for the info.
(I used to have a 600 when it first came out, but that was when I was much younger and fitter, so know about tippiness 😉)
Have decided I will order both a 7 rig and a 9. 😊
I live on a steep hill in Southampton so still debating if I can get the car up and over the snow to get to the train station for the Dinghy Show...
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03/03/2018 07:52:00
Chris Hughes
Posts: 16
Hi Chris,
I weigh 70 Kg, and sail: 9 in light wind up to bft 4, 7 Bft 3 gusting 5, and 5 rig above that.
Given those rig choices I always store the boat mast down, since the 1st decision any day I sail is which rig to raise.
The boat isn't tippy, but the deadweight (helm) on the tiller might be. It does need care on launch & recovery, because it's so light, but is soon mastered. I came to the Aero from crewing catamarans, so long learning curve, but go over far less now.
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02/03/2018 21:50:00
Jonathan Rickels
Posts: 104
Chris, I've had mine for about 18 months now sailing on a lake.
It is very light so it is very sensitive to you and the wind, particularly gusts. When I first got mine I capsized to windward lots, you have got to be quick to get back inboard. Once you get the hang it is great fun.
I have 7 & 9 rigs, am 56 (next week) 5'8" and 86kg. Mainly use the 9 until the wind gets up a bit, then switch down.
Personally, I always take mat down, it is very easy to do and keeps carbon fibre mast out of the sun. It is super quick to rig.
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02/03/2018 20:19:00
Jae
Posts: 5
1. They are different to other dinghies I’ve sailed in a good way. Responsive rather than tippy - and more stable than most when planing downwind. Takes a bit of getting used to.
2. I am c. 76kg and use 9 for lakes in summer and 7 for sea or championships and breezy winter days. The 9 is more fun for summer on small lakes in my opinion.
3. I’ve done both over the years - no real difference, just a habit. But don’t forget to tie it down whichever you do.
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02/03/2018 18:17:00
David-at-BroadwaterSC
Posts: 42
1) How tippy are they making it out to be, I think its very responsive, but I wouldn't say its tippy, but then again i've sailed 600s, etc.?
2) I'm 82kg ish and i think the 7 is my main rig
3) I leave it up but Chris L drops his.
4) Go right ahead...
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02/03/2018 17:24:00
Chunky
Posts: 136
Discussing with RS about a new Aero, so bear with me on these questions.May or may not get to Ally Pally to discuss further - weather dependent.
Currently sail an RS Vareo Me and my Vareo
1. Is an Aero as tippy as some would have you think?
2. I am 80kg - 7 or 9 rig? Methinks 7 as on a strict diet at mo anyway (60 yrs old)
3. Mast Up or Mast Down for boat park storage ?
4. More questions to come ....
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02/03/2018 17:08:00
Chris Hughes
Posts: 16
