What A Blast! The most fun I have had on a dinghy!
Demo day at Nort East Yacht Club, North East MD
I
had the opportunity to sail the Topaz at a demo held at
WHAT
A BLAST! THIS WAS THE MOST FUN I HAVE HAD ON A DINGHY IN A WHILE! I sailed a
Laser in between Topaz runs, and I must say that the Topaz was more fun. The
Laser did have slightly better upwind performance, but the Topaz just flies
after you round the weather mark and pop that chute! It is incredibly fun to
singlehand a small dinghy with an asymmetrical chute! My son and a friend, both
12 years old with very little sailing experience, were able to sail the Topaz
and fly that chute. You wouldn't believe the smiles on their faces!
Okay
... here's the highs and lows:
1)
Topaz is not fiberglass and appears to be quite sturdy - big plus!
2)
The asymmetrical chute is raised and stowed by one continuous line. The cleat
for the line is set slightly to starboard, which is perfect for popping the
chute after leaving a weather mark to port. It also has one continuous spin
sheet. It is very easy (and fun!) to singlehand.
3)
All blocks, cleats, and other hardware appear to be high quality.
4)
The rig has a relatively high boom (much higher than a Laser). While this may
compromise upwind performance to some degree, I think it is a great benefit
because roll tacking was much easier. Also, when you are doublehanding, the
crew is not as likely to get beaned by the boom!
5)
The boat sails great even when loaded with and adult plus a twelve year old
kid.
6)
Did I say lows? I can't think of any!
