Some Ninjod Pics..

Thanks very much for your email, it was well received and thoroughly digested! Apols for not relying sooner but I have been away a lot – its a busy time of year for me in skiing (my business).

Its interesting you looked at the Elan as well and found her to be a great boat. I agree she is a lot of fun to sail, esp with some crew, but I wonder what such an unproven boat would be like in a sea on your own.

I have sailed one a couple of times and feel her to maybe be a bit too powerful for getting the most out of . I.e. single handing close to, or above her rating. In fact I sailed the SF shortly after on the same day in similar 20kt gusts, and got a broach out of both boats. The Elan (in spite of her much hyped form stability and twin rudders) still lost grip easier than the SF when pressed upwind – and was more difficult to control.

The SF seems to be a very manageable boat, certainly in a blow and incredibly stable downwind. The sort of boat you feel you can get the absolute best out of.

My only reservation is the light airs stickiness of the SF. Have you tried a larger-than-class, light weight jib for upwind work? I can see the code 0 is worthwhile, but only below 45 degrees?

I am essentially stuck on a decision between these 2 boats, Although my heart says the SF, my family may not agree that cruising will be fun in an SF when they are used to a big ‘ol 40ft Arcona!

And may I ask how your OSTAR prep is going? This is something I have toyed with doing but I’m a little nervous of the time I will have to take away from work, ie the committment with doing a race like this, and indeed whether I could get ready in time for 2013. Not to mention the fact Ive barely done more than a night at sea on my own before! Exactly how I will fare (mentally and physically) solo sailing a tough race like the OSTAR is I guess everyones main concern.