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August 10, 2018 3 min read
Will Martin now sails a 420 with Jamie Cook and is one of our sponsored sailors. He shares details of his transition from the Optimist into the 420. Learn what to expect and what you'll need.
It’s blowing 15 knots, I’m at my first 420 event at the French nationals just rounding the windward mark. We’re plaining on the reach, I’m flat out on the wire and putting trust in that my helm has more control than I do right now and can steer us through the course. Focused on not losing control of the spinnaker and keeping the boat driving through the swell whilst trying not to get swung around the mast. We are rapidly approaching the gybe mark, desperately remembering the practised rituals, and wondering how I ended up here.
Crewing a 420 is a complete contrast to the light wind oppie events I have been attending over the year. Three months ago I was fully committed to sailing optimists, training weekly and competing every weekend but struggling as I slowly grew out of the class. I had already had to adapt moving on to fuller sails with stiffer spars and foils to attempt to survive in the light winds, always praying for wind. After a tough light year I decided to transition forward into the youth classes. I had tested multiple boats but the tactical side of the 420 appealed to me most. I had also seen older generations in the club succeed in the class and had heard about the variety of training provided.
The main difference I have found between the 420 and the oppie is the amount of boat prep required. Having high quality ropes and organised systems is vital if you want to be fast. Unlike an oppie the 420 has 3 different sails one of which will be hoisted throughout the race making it important to have high quality running rigging. We use sk99 dyneema rope for our halyards as it has extreme strength and low stretch. The boat is also a lot quicker, changing scenarios like starts can cause larger amounts of damage in collisions so mistakes are costly and as a result rope hygiene becomes extremely important; a knot in halyard could potentially not only cost you a race but an expensive gel coat repair as well.
Most existing sailing kit can be used in the boat although you will require a few things.
A harness. After testing and reading up on multiple options I picked the zhik t2 trapeze harness as it had less straps and was easy to adjust. However some may prefer to buy one with a quick release hook.
Having grippier gloves is also helpful especially as a crew. I found that the gloves I had worn whilst sailing the optimist didn’t provide much grip or protection against the sheets.
A wetsuit is also easier to move in rather than a baggy drysuit and is normally comfier with the harness on.
Some sailors carry a safety knife on the water, it's unlikely we would need to cut ourselves free from the rigging in a 420 but is an extra safety precaution it is wise to carry one.
Buying a new pair of boots or making sure that your boat is well gripped is also useful when on the wire.
Moving into a new boat does require a lot of initial practise but a lot of the skills and race tactics carry over especially in the 420. It is a large community of sailors from other classes however there are lots of past oppie sailors in the mix.
More to come from Will soon as he spends more time on the water with Jamie.
The mast was delivered the next day what a excellent delivery service I had the mast by 0830 I now know I can count on you, well done.
The 100m reel of 4mm pre-stretched polyester rope I ordered for our Club's fleet of training dinghies is very good quality and really competitively priced. It arrived quickly so we could re-rig control-lines before the week's training course finished.
Quick to order and fast delivery, thank you. Good to have the wheel washers and retaining clips included in the package.
Cannot fault the service received. Queries responded to very quickly, thank you Jason. Very fast, efficient despatch and delivery. My son is very happy with the Aqua fleece.
Wouldn't hesitate to use again.
Great service from Sailing Chandlery - ordered late Thursday evening and my order was dispatched on the Friday, delivered on the Monday (standard delivery option).
The Salopettes seem well made, good fit (per sizing guide) and comfortable. Also very lightweight - time will tell if that equates to less durable as they are definitely far thinner material than others I've had from different manufacturers in the past. I've only tried them on at home so far, so not tested them in the wet but I'm pretty confident they should do the job.
fast delivery with no problems
Ordered Zhik boots and wetsuit easily enough on-line, quick email response reviewing order, and they were despatched same day. Wetsuit is awesome, I wrongly ordered the boots size, a quick phone call, they explained what I needed to do, and they’ve changed them super quick. Didn’t miss any days sailing……..Highly recommend.
Got a set for my son who's 6' 3" and 92KG and L was way too small. Spoke to someone on the phone who was very helpful on sizing. Actually, went for a XXL in the end and he is happy with that fit so I would say these come up a bit small compared to other manufacturers although I guess you want a tight a fit as possible with hikers.
Vert happy with the service and advice. Video was helpful too.
Good quality product that was delivered very quickly
Got this top as I was looking for something which could keep me dry and warm at the same time in the best effective way possible, allowing me to have freedom of movement. All came to this top and it was definitely the right choice.
Well manufactured. Good quality product. The neoprene waist band makes sure you will be comfortable and as it stays adjusted all the time. Same thing goes to the wrist area.
Overall it is a really good product, best quality vs price I found and not disappointed.
Very speedy delivery and looks great on the Laser
Replaced easily enough. Same dimensions as the original on the boat. Works perfectly and keeps everything neat now.
I had given up all hope
Ordered gloves one evening and dispatched the following day
Very quick and efficient
Will definitely use again
Significantly cheaper than a class official sail but also much more longwearing so win / win!! Only slight criticism is that on the latest sail, the furling direction to get the velcro tape to hold the sail rolled is opposite to the marked direction on a Pico lower mast....
apart from that - strongly recommended
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