Optimum crew weight

What is a 'competitive' all up crew weight for Mirror Racing? I think I've seen comments such as 'as light as possible' but presumably there's an accepted weight range for competitive crews at open meeting / Nationals level.
As an aside, I always race with my son crewing against a fleet of single-handed Mirrors. Basically we all sail off the same handicap (we don't have a Mirror fleet but there are usually about 5 of us out plus one or 2 other classes) Our extra weight (we're probably between 5 - 8 stone heavier than every other boat) doesn't seem to slow us too much in comparison but do other fleets use the different portsmouth numbers for single-handed and crewed boats?

it depends how heavy your helm is. if you have a fat helm like rob g-g then you need a light crew. Sorry Rob!!!!<img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

jonny

16 stone is about optimum. Obviously if you are 11 then you need a small crew like jonny.

Its worse than that! I'm about 13 1/2 stone! Luckily Jonathan is only 4 1/2 so we're not too far over - but as you can see I think he's going to sack me before the end of the season unless I go on a diet! We seem OK on flat water but I guess in marginal planing conditions or on big courses this will make a difference. At least we don't capsize much!

Don't despair. Ian Walker won the mirror Nationals at Plymouth with 18 stone.Teresa and I used to be 18 stone and managed to be runner-up to Ian several times. However, things have changed and weight seems to be less than it used to be. Ben and I are about 17.5!and gaining all the time.

guy Wilkins

Im sailing with about 18 stone at d mo but i havnt weighed myself in about a year so i dont really know! i personnally dont think dat weight is a major factor and iv u tink about it 2 much u tend 2 start worry about it! but u defo dont want 2 b sailing wit less dan 14 r more dan 20

ben greer