New Member
posted 02 July 2002 02:50 PM
Hi everyone,
I am thinking of buying a Sonata to race at home and away, but as my home base is a shallow estuary, I would really need to have a lift keel version.
What I would like to know, is are these competitive to race against Fin keel Sonatas, or does everyone opt for the Fin. What do the rules say etc. Would a lift keel have to have handicap and therefore cease to be a one design??
Any help on this question would be great thank you all.
Andy Morris
New Member
posted
07 July 2002 10:30 PM
In response to your query on Lift v Fin and handicapping.
I am a club Handicapper and as with most sailing clubs, when we race
Sonatas in a mixed fleet, we use Portsmouth Yardstick handicapping. The
Fin Sonata is a Primary yardstick of 1038. This means it is a very reliable
number as a result of many race returns to the RYA.
The lifting keel version has been given a higher number and this number
has varied from club to club. If you intend to race a “lifter”, I would
strongly advise that you contact your local club and ask the handicapping
officer for his advice – and hopefully a number to get you racing.
Providing the club allows you to race with other Fin Sonatas and the race
is timed, I would imagine you would have as much chance of winning a race
as a Fin version.
Jon Morrison. Handicapper; South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club.