Hi All,
Being a relative outsider, and planning on purchasing
a swif solo kit this summer, I can at least give a
disinterested view on why I want a swift solo.
I presently own and sail An RS 700 out of England.
This is a single handed 15.5' dinghy with adjustable
racks, weight equalization system, trapeze, a main and
spinnaker but no jib. It is one design racing class
and is considered a high performance racing boat. Yes
it is very fast.
Now, why in the world would I want a Swift Solo?
Well, at the Oakland boat show a while back Bram
brought the swift for display and we had quite a
conversation about the boat.
I don't care if the swift is faster or slower than my
boat, and I don't care if it will be considered a one
class design or not. What I do care about it is that
it's a unique beautifully handcrafted work of art
which happens to be more than just eye candy; it sails
well also. I have had people google and ogale at my
boat and yes that is rewarding in a sence, but more to
the point I OOGLE AND OGALE AT THE SWIFT SOLO; IT IS
DIFFERENT! To be part of the team of owners who have
built their own works of art this IS a whole different
feeling of satisfaction, "OH what a beautiful boat,
where did you buy it?" We I build it myself using a
kit from Swift Solo! Oh really! WOW! No tell me
truthfully, such an acknowlegement just has to be
very satisfying. NOW you go out a sail it in front of
everyone and upon returning, it's not the girls who
crowd around it's the guy's saying where can they get
one. SOooo, for me, the appearance of a fine crafted
wooden work of art is also a strong point of the Swift
Solo allure, Just like th Cris Craft of days of old
with it's wooden finish work....WAKE UP...
IT'S A CLASSIC.
HOW MANY FIBERGLASS OR PLASTIC BOATS CAN YOU RECALL
WHO WOULD BE IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS THAT?? IT IS MY
OPINION, THAT TO HAVE CREATED SUCH A BEAUTY AS THE
SWIFT AND THEN COVER IT UP TO APPEAR AS A FIBERGLASS
BOAT, why? One thing I have learned with the RS 700 is
that there are ALWAYS FASTER BOATS ON THE WATER, but
the actual importance is that the class is regulated
as a one class design, hence competition in the class
now stresses sailing ability within the limits of a
one class design. Ya know, a lot of peole have a lot
of fun racing El Toro's, So the speed and handling of
the Swift Solo is exciting enough, the boat is well
engineered, beautifully crafted, and eye candy for the
crowd.
SOooo, What problem are you trying to solve by these
considerations? Cost? Really? Effort? Really? Every
one of you had to be impressed by the original design
appearance that Bram accomplished and as a result
along we all have come. Re-invent the wheel! Improve
the speed by a 1/16th of a knot! I point out that you
try to NOT overlook the total picture which includes
CLASS... This boat is and will be a classic....
My three cents worth,
Brian Bergantz
bergantz95118@xxxxxxxxx
This is the Swift Solo mailing list. For unsubscribe instructions,
visit here: http://catzooks.com/swift-solo/
|