Fast Handicap Fleet

To qualify for the fast handicap fleet, a boat needs to have a Portsmouth Number (ie handicap) of 1136 or less. Listed below, you will find some information about various classes that are frequently sailed at Ripon. Other classes will appear from time to time, but if you are thinking of buying a boat to sail in this fleet, you should discuss its suitability with club members. One of the attractions of the fleet is there is invariably a boat to meet your individual needs, from fast and challenging (tippy or unstable) for the experienced to stable and rewarding for the novice. There are boats suitable for individuals or couples, lightweights or those of more ample proportions.

Some of the boats actively sailed in the fleet at the moment include:

Enterprise

This two person dinghy was designed in the 1960's and with 23000+ boats built it remains popular. Easily identified by its blue sails and constructed of wood or glassfibre it is an affordable boat which lends itself to family sailing. Prices for a competitive boat start at about £1200 although you could pick up a serviceable example for much less. There are about 12 Enterprises sailing regularly at the Club and the class is well suited to our lake. The fleet captain is Richard Pryke and he's happy to talk to any prospective or existing members and offer advice on what to buy, how to rig and sail the Enterprise. He even often has a few nice Enterprises for sale. Feel free to contact him for an informal chat anytime 0780 264 5781.

Laser

This very popular sailing dinghy has a choice of three sail plans (Standard Rig, Radial Rig and 4.7 Rig) to suit different sailor's needs. The Standard rig races in our Fast Fleet and it is currently an Olympic class, the Laser Radial sails in the Medium Fleet and 4.7 the Slow Fleet . The Laser is a versatile and simple boat that is fun for sailors of all abilities. Its strict one design and worldwide popularity mean that there is a good second hand market, and plenty of class-specific books and websites to help you improve your sailing skills. Wherever you choose to sail there will be other Laser sailors to chat with or race against. There has been a Laser fleet at Ripon SC for many years and although numbers racing fluctuate, there are generally Laser sailors around most weekends prepared to chat about the class and provide hints and tips.

National 12

This class has a long history at Ripon. It is a development class, now over 60 years old. There are a range of boats sailing at the Club, demonstrating the development of the class. The club holds an annual open meeting for National 12s which traditionally attracts entrants from all over the country. Tim Hampshire regularly races his National 12 at the club and would be delighted to talk to prospective owners.

RS200

This relatively modern double-hander has an asymmetric spinnaker. It's fast, it's fun and probably not for a beginner. We have some very good RS200 sailors at the club who would be delighted to share their views with potential owners.

Supernova

Another single-handed class along the lines of the Laser but capable of carrying a heavier helm. Older boats can be purchased second hand for a very reasonable price.

Graduate

Usually sailed by two, it is smaller than an Enterprise, but is well suited to sailing at Ripon.

I sail a Supernova currently and have a reasonable knowledge of the various classes, so if you are thinking of joining us, come along for a chat. - Chris Stockton - Supernova 550

Last updated 17:30 on 16 February 2024