Rooster 8.1 rig on Laser

What about it, I am going to be controversial again but a supernova is a nothing boat, much slower heavier and technologically retarded then an OK, Phantom etc. and quite frankly slower, I will say that they are good value for money though.

The big question is why did they do this? Especially when there is so much good competition out there.

Why not take over the marketing of the Blaze or launch a Phantom?

As people have said elsewhere the hull and rudder may suffer with the extra power and stresses.

What next put a trapeze on it?

I think that you and I both sail the logical conclution of increasing a Laser sail area.

Its also had a few improvements, but the contender was designed before the laser, dose that make the laser a bit of a step backwards?

Great to hear the general positive feeling for the Rooster 8.1.  I am sure it will not take sailors from the Phantom type fleets  - but just might encourage some back to sailing with a grin on their face.

I thought I should give you some background to the PY debate. 

In testing last week as Stokes Bay - I was pulling out 3 mins per lap in 4-5 knts.  Each latp took about 20 mins.  I took 3 mins out of the contender in the fist 30 mins.  There was a huge windshift of the last beat  - knocking my lead down to just 3 mins in 60 mins.  But I was still grining.

Further testing on Wednesday against a very competitive Laser sailor, Ian Morgan (actually the guy who had most to do with the Design) (he's Rooster's Latest Assett - so we are now officially a sailmaker too!)  Anyway - in about 10 knts upwind The 8.1 was 5 secs faster in 3 mins - on a reach (I was picking the angle (cheat!)) the 8.1 was 15 secs faster in 3 mins and on a run - the 8.1 was 30 secs faster in 3 mins!  Today in 20 knts, but wind with tide it was a bit harder work.  Interestingly it was a quiet sail.  No flappy flappy bit you get from the full rig - but at 79Kg  and short enough to sail a radial - I would honestly say I was overpowered and found short taking up the shore in 20 knts and chop just a little physical.  I guess I am glad really else it would be a direct competitor for a Laser style person.  However, I pulled and passed lots of OCS sailors and finished moderately well in the fleet.  The offwind legs were too short though (with the tide taking us down) I cruised past lots off wind - but gains downwind were reduced by the current upwind.   I would have loved to see a 90Kg person upwind today!  Everyone else who sailed the boat thought it was smoother than the standard rig, and were surprised at how well it handled.  They did not want to give it back!

I think the sail will work even better inland where the handicap should come into its own.  I think we have been rather conservative with our Handicap on reflection.   

Some have said that the boat might not take the loads.  We have said that it is for one person - and since the Laser  is meant to be designed for up to two people (class rules permit) then one in an 8.1 should be fine.  I have sailed lasers in 40 knts and pitch poled with two people in it!  I do not think there is any real boat problems. 

We are open to a new rudder idea - we can definitely get a new blade made for the rudder stock - but I am keen to make the Rooster 8.1 class affordable  - so we will make that development an option rather than a must have.  Generally the rudder is more neutral than normal - although one sailor test sailed it today did not use enough Cunningham and he found the rudder heavy.   We are also developing a carbon top mast - just a never break it type - that might lighten the rig slightly for downwind turns.  Again - I have no intension of making it compulsory - and we definitely are keen to make them affordable. 

You can all get a chance to take a look at the 8.1 at the Ali Pali Dinghy Show.  Rooster Sailing have two stands - the larger being C35 - just under the Rose Window.  It is promising to be an interesting affair.  

Happy Sailing!