Hi everyone,

First of all, thanks for having me. Just joined the Forum today. I'm sure this place is gonna get a whole lot busier!

Ok, I'm fairly new to sailing and I love it! Done a bit of crewing on an RS400. I really wanted to get my own boat. The important factors for me were fun, having the option to take a passenger but not a necessity and also the ability to race at club level when I get good enough. The Vareo just seemed to tick all the boxes and the concept of a singlehanded with a gennaker made it an even more exciting prospect. So, bosh! I bought one (should have it within the next fortnight). I have been so excited about this boat which just seems perfect for what I want to get out of sailing. 

HOWEVER. 

My enthusiasm and 'cat who got the cream' mindset has diminished somewhat after reading many posts about the Vareo being a bit rubbish upwind!

Is it really that bad/awkward? Is it a major disadvantage of having a Vareo? Sort me out someone as these reports/comments have knocked my enthusiasm for the boat. 

Weird post I know but any replies will be greatly received. 

Thanks

Ross

Hi! 
I've had mine less than a year so are also newbie. I collect all my experiences on my blog: http://vikingvareo.wordpress.com/
happy sailing

all depends on what you compare with
my vareo is easier upwind than my old Laser

Hi Ross,

I have had my Vareo for just under a year and was having trouble getting the boat going well up wind. I have since got the knack of "tuning" the rig for the conditions and it goes a lot better. It does not point as high a something like a Lazer but it is a lot faster if you bear away a little. You will need to work fairly hard to really get the most out the boat upwind. Downwind and reaching is what this boat is all about and it is a hell of a lot of fun and worth the effort upwind.

So fill us in on the "tuning" Stuart.

Would love to claim to be a Guru on tuning but I used the tuning page on this site - http://www.rsvareo.org/index.asp?selection=Coaching&Fleet=RS Vareo&subsect=Tuning . I even printed and laminated to take to the water with me!