Squib Class sailcloth proposals

Hyde's response to the sail debate in the Squib class © Hyde Sails

The Squib class voted at the AGM to examine options for changing the sailcloth and looking at the rules that specify how the sails are made so as to try to increase the competitive life of the sails and also to possibly broaden the appeal of the class to offset a concern over declining numbers at events.

The recent Inlands only saw 35 entrants but did see Hyde's response to the sail debate by showcasing a set of sails made the way they feel the class should go.

Steve Warren-Smith used the sails on the Saturday of the event so they could be viewed on the water and opinions gauged.

The mainsail was of black filmed C242 laminate with radial construction and a full length top batten. This film can be obtained in a variety of different colours so a "mace-ish" version of this sail could be produced. The sail is very similar to that used in the SB20 class where mainsails competitive life is much longer than Squibs.

The jib used Contender Polykote cloth in white with full length battens, which allow some roach (which facilitates a much nicer leech profile) and also minimises damage to the cloth with flapping.

The main also features a much bigger collision window as well as a leach window, both features making the boat safer and more pleasant to sail.

Price wise the sails cost around the same amount but would expect to be competitive for a significantly longer period of time. The current sails stretch almost instantly which is partly due to the cross cut construction and the inbuilt weakness of the dyeing process involved in making the cloth brown (the resin uptake of the cloth is impaired by dyeing which causes weaker cloth as well as inconsistencies from roll to roll)

Although quite radically different Hyde believe that sails like these (whether brown or not) would be the best route for the class to go.

Reactions to the sails were mixed, but generally rather positive, perhaps surprisingly so in view of the perception that the class is quite conservative.

Hyde's will take on board feedback and produce a 'version2' for discussion in the new year. The expectation is that a 2 year time frame is likely before the class would see the new sails if 70% of the class were to be in favour of a change."

For more information on Hyde Sails, its products and how Hyde can work with your class, contact Paul Austin (T: +44(0) 7801 907458) or see www.hydesails.com