Stepping up to the Uno

My days with the little Topper Topaz Taz are over.

I've upgraded to a Topper Topaz Uno. It's a very similar boat, just scaled up about 50% and more appropriate to my above average height.

I've selected the standard rig with a jib because I like the option of being able to wind the unbattened mainsail around the mast in order to furl it.

We took it out twice a couple of weekends ago, once in nil breeze and once in 7-10 knots and a little tidal chop.




The first day I pushed tide in zero to five knots of breeze. After the Taz (which, to be fair, is intended for children) it felt like I was lying on a couch. There was so much room to spread out in.

Like the Uno, it's a nicely balanced little boat and responsive to the helm and body weight, nicely stable downwind.

The second day I took it out there was a little more breeze. In about ten knots I didn't have to hike (which is good) although I was sitting out on the sides of the boat. But I get the feeling that I would have to in twelve knots (as I don't hike this is not so good, I'll be reefing in that mainsail). In the odd little puff that came through, the boat was responsive to luffing or just easing the mainsheet.

Performance wise it's not as fast as a Laser, but is probably similar to a Radial. If I put the bigger Race kit on it (fully battened main and/or jib) then we'd move up a good notch in speed.

The reason I selected the small boat to start with was because, with the hull weighing in at a mere 40kg, I could easily pull the boat up and down the hill by myself. I can't do that with this one, it's 60kg so we are going to find a more permanent home for it, closer to the water's edge for my convenience. That's the price you pay for comfort I guess and it's well worth it, particularly as I can take a friend out sailing in this boat if I want to. I am five foot nine (174cm) so I'm not small - if I was a bit more petite I'd still choose the smaller boat just for the convenience factor.

But I'm well happy with the boat I've got now and all the benefits of the Topper Topaz boats - virtual indestructability, great sailing systems, high quality hardware and good looks, still stand, as they do throughout the Topper Topaz range. To be honest, it leaves me wondering why I'd even think about a fibreglass or ply boat and in comparison with my old Europe class boat, which was a lovely boat but a hassle to rig, a hassle to launch, and a big hassle to sail at times, the Uno is on another level all together.

Another thing I've discovered is the simple joy of sailing but not racing: just reaching up and down the inlet, chasing the puffs or sprawling across the hull with my feet in the water. What's it called? Cruising. I guess that's going to be a whole new chapter in my sailing career.

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Footnote about buying a boat:


Hugh (from Oceanz1) helps me rig the Uno for the first time


If you are thinking about buying a boat and you need the help and advice of the agent, Oceanz1 are terrific. They are genuine about going the extra mile to make sure you are happy and the number of their boats out on the water in NZ now is testament to the way they do business.



Topper Topaz boats are available from:

OCEANZ 1 LTD
PO BOX 677 OREWA
TEL. +64 9 428 7483
MOB. 021 711 302
info@oceanz1.co.nz
www.oceanz1.co.nz



June 07