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Hot debate about the recently previewed 39er, the RORC One Design regatta, Cherubs and Prima 38s

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From Jim Champ Will the 39er have the 400s and 4000s for breakfast? Depends - the RS400 is a superb light to moderate wind boat, but it really struggles for top speed. As soon as it is remotely powered up the Bethwaite boat is likely to see the 400 as just another obstruction downwind. But there's no such thing as a free lunch, and it could very easily be that case that the RS400 - being a Merlin development - will be a more interesting boat to sail inland on lakes and reservoirs.

From James Reynolds
Will the 39er have the 400s and 4000s for breakfast? Maybe so, leaving the likes of the 4000 to those who prefer trapezing. However, what of the B14 - another high performance asymmetric skiff which is hking only? Surely the two (both built by Ovington I notice) will be in direct competition. Without knowing the exact specs of the 39er it may be hard to compare but it is still not that new an idea.

From Luke McEwen
Will the 39er have the 400s and 4000s for breakfast? The heavy crew weight for the 39er and the lack of a trapeze will probably make it more popular with RS400 sailors than Laser 4000 sailors - the middle of the 4000 weight range is around 70kg each (min 59, max 85 to stay on the weight equalisation chart), whereas 400s sail best with two reasonably large people. Of all the classes that are similar to the 39er though, surely the B14 is the closest in concept and performance level, with its twin hiking, big kite, skiff-type design? Especially with the marketing clout the 39er will have, I'd think twice about investing in a B14 right now. Performance-wise, if the 39er is as light and modern as Braithewaite claims, and provided the high stability doesn't mean enormous wetted surface area, it will probably massacre 400s, 4000s, B14s and maybe even beat 5000s, 14s and 800s around the course, particularly in light winds. Should be interesting to see the looks on the faces of the trapezing artists as the hikers come past.

From Dave Lee
Will the 39er have the 400s and 4000s for breakfast? I think the RS400 will prove a tough act to follow. Even should the 39er prove technically superior, the 400 is now well established with solid club fleets and a good circuit. Take away the hype and marginally improved performance and this is just another two man hiking boat in an already crowded market. No doubt some people will buy it because its the latest thing, or maybe because the competition is too hot in the well established classes.

one-designs and more on page two...