Buzz Information, Review, Specs

The Buzz made its debut in 1994, envisioned by designers Ian Howlett and John Caig as a gateway to high-performance dinghy sailing. Their design philosophy centered on creating a boat that offered significant excitement without the complexity or cost associated with more extreme racing skiffs. The goal was to provide a user-friendly and safe platform for developing skills in trapezing and asymmetric spinnaker handling.

During the era of the Buzz's production, Rondar Raceboats, known for their unwavering commitment to building fast, high-quality one-design race boats, would have applied their expertise to its construction. Rondar's manufacturing ethos emphasizes precision, consistency, and a deep understanding of competitive sailing, often utilizing advanced composite construction for durability and performance. This dedication ensures that boats like the Buzz, under Rondar's production, are finely tuned for their intended racing purpose. Over its production run, the Buzz has seen some minor variations, notably between MkI and MkII versions, with a difference in the lead of the kicker (vang) system.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-performance dinghy, the Buzz prioritizes an engaging sailing experience. It is lauded as an excellent vessel for those learning the fundamentals of high-performance sailing, particularly the intricacies of trapezing and managing an asymmetric spinnaker. Sailors often describe the Buzz as a stable boat for its class, which contributes to its user-friendly nature and reputation for providing reliable fun.

While not designed for the "all-out blasting power" of larger or more contemporary skiffs, the Buzz delivers a significant punch for its size and cost. Its performance can be characterized as lively and responsive, providing ample excitement without being overly demanding. For instance, in terms of RYA handicap numbers, the Buzz (with a PY of 1005 in 2006) is acknowledged to be slower than a 29er (PY 924), illustrating its position as an accessible high-performance option rather than an extreme racing machine. The boat features an open transom, which aids in self-draining, a practical design element for a dinghy used in dynamic conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a compact, high-performance racing dinghy, the Buzz's layout is focused entirely on optimizing cockpit space for two crew members during active sailing. The deck and cockpit are designed to be efficient workstations for managing the main, jib, and asymmetric spinnaker.

The cockpit features an open transom, which is a common design choice in modern dinghies to allow for rapid self-draining, keeping the boat clear of water even after capsizing. While the cockpit floor may have ribs that some sailors find slippery, the overall design aims to be uncluttered. The spinnaker retrieval system, typically a chute, is designed for ease of rigging and unrigging, often allowing the spinnaker to be managed without full removal, which is a practical feature for racing and training.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Buzz for its role as an approachable entry point into high-performance dinghy sailing. Its stability and suitability for learning essential skills like trapezing and asymmetric spinnaker handling are consistently highlighted as major strengths. Many appreciate the boat's balance of thrills and simplicity, offering a cost-effective way to engage in competitive sailing.

However, some owners have noted specific areas for improvement, with one mentioning that the boat could be "fitted out questionably." Additionally, the presence of slippery ribs on the cockpit floor has been a minor point of concern for some. Despite these minor criticisms, the general sentiment among owners points to the Buzz as a user-friendly, safe, and enjoyable boat, well-proven in providing fun on the water.