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Just to conclude the thread, I did buy a new Aero and so far seem to be getting along fine in light and strong winds. Even won my first club race in it last week.
So if you are a tall sailor looking at this thread, the Aero works.
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19/01/2019 21:38:00
rwoofer
Posts: 3
I recommend that you persist; it is worth it. You will find the Aero much more comfortable. up and downwind I agree that straight leg hiking is never great, particularly if you are not in condition but that is true for all boats.
Have fun
David
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17/10/2018 20:57:00
David Rickard
Posts: 70
Thanks for the honest view. Slightly concerning, but does seem to fit with my short experience of the boat.
I know I find a Laser uncomfortable upwind because of the need for straight leg hiking that is then amplified by the narrowness, which puts so much of your body out of the boat. The Aero is similar width, so going to be just as challenging.
On the weight forward I'm continually surprised how deck designs limit going forward. It's as if most dinghies have only been designed for force 3/4. Anyway, it is what it is, which means I'll need to figure out a comfortable weight forward position.
Fortunately our reservior is not that big, so you're never stuck in one position for too long and of course you get good class racing. We've just arranged a Demo day with RS, so I will hopefully get more time in the boat to figure out the comfort bit and whether it will work long term or no.
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17/10/2018 18:41:00
rwoofer
Posts: 3
Upwind, both the Aero and Laser reward straight leg hiking to be near the front in a fleet of good sailors. Regardless of the boat, straight leg hiking is not comfortable unless you are in reasonably good shape. In my opinion, the Aero requires just as much training to effectively straight leg hike as a Laser and rewards you with a similar sore body when not conditioned properly.
Downwind, If you want to be near the front of the fleet of good sailors, I have found the Aero to be significantly less comfortable than a Laser. This is primarily due to the need to keep weight forward so as not to drag the stern. I've sailed a Laser for almost 30 years and an Aero with the Seattle fleet just for one summer. My search for downwind comfort, without sacrificing speed is a work in progress. If anyone over 6 ft has any words of wisdom, I'm all ears.
In summary, comfort in a singlehanded dinghy like an Aero or Laser is relative.
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17/10/2018 01:23:00
Posts: 0
17/10/2018 00:49:00
david
Posts: 64
I'm 6' 3" and find it much nicer and more comfortable to hike than a Laser. It is also more comfortable generally
David
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16/10/2018 19:36:00
David Rickard
Posts: 70
I'd also be interested to learn of any taller sailors Aero experiences. I'm considering one as my next boat (I'm 6ft 4), currently sailing a 100 and before that have sailed a Laser & Musto skiff . How does the Aero compare to the Laser in terms of hiking and space to move around the cockpit? I noticed both are similar width boats.
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16/10/2018 19:14:00
RP2684
Posts: 4
I've been a Phantom sailor for many years and I love the boat, but very rarely get to do any class racing. With an Aero fleet well established at my sailing club (Island Barn) I'm tempted to change to an Aero for my next boat change.What I like about the Aero is the simplicity (I'm not a tinkerer) and the fact that it appears to go very well at my local water.
I demo'd one when they first came up and didn't like the experience. With the passing of time, I've shed nearly 10kgs to about 87kg, so I thought I would have another go in a members Aero 9 today. As expected the Aero feels a lot smaller and more cramped than the Phantom - almost enough to put me off the idea again. Now a short sail is rarely going to do a boat justice, so I thought I would enquire how other tall people get on with the Aero? Do you just get used to putting up with a certain amount of discomfort (the Phantom isn't perfect either as you are on your knees a lot downwind)? With the narrow width, how do you hike without falling too far out of the boat? Can you get your weight far enough forward in the tacks to avoid the stern dragging?
(I'm 6'6" for reference)
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07/10/2018 22:33:00
rwoofer
Posts: 3
