Formula 147 suitable for starting out

[racerX]

I have been offered a good deal on old starboard formula 147, with a 9.5 and 12 metre sail. Is this setup suitable for an introduction to formula, or would I better off getting a newer board and smaller sail? How does it compare to the newer boards?

I weight 70kg

[racerX]

bump...

Remi?

[Ken]

Racer X,

I had a 147 and liked it a lot (160 now). However, at 70kg, a 12.0 sail may be too much. I weigh 78kg and my largest is an 11.0 and am not happy if the wind goes over 14-15 knots. My most used sail is a 9.2. It's a different story for young strong formula racers, but if I was you, I would avoid the 12.0 (and the 550? mast that it will need).

The newer boards are wider in the tail and handle larger sails a bit better, but I still wouldn't get the 12 unless you already have the mast and the sail is cheap. You would likely use it in only 6-12 knots. The 9.5 would work in 8-18. This is a rough guess based upon your intermediate? skill and weight.

You will probably ding up the nose of the board as you learn to sail the thing, dropping the mast from time to time as you get tossed over the nose, usually on a broad reach or downwind.