Streaker: the Original Lightweight Singlehander
by Alan Gillard & Veronica Falat 20 Dec 2014 17:45 GMT
20 December 2014
Streaker: the Original Lightweight Singlehander © Richard Jones
For the last 40 years Streaker sailors have been enjoying the thrills of a lightweight
singlehander. Easily handled on and off the water, the Streaker is a rewarding sail for
the experienced but forgiving in equal measure for beginners. Not dictated to by a single
manufacturer the class continues to thrive with close to 40 new boats built in 2014 and,
as a result, sail numbers have broken through into the 1900's.
The new all FRP epoxy version is especially popular with new boats being produced by
both Butler Boats and Rooster Sailing. Performance wise there is little to choose
between the boats: the Butler Boats version won the Nationals in the capable hands of
Tom Gillard (nominated Y&Y sailor of the year). Ian Jones sailed a Rooster Sailing version
of the Streaker as his weapon of choice in dominating the Inland Championships at
windy Draycote Water.
One of the big advantages of the Streaker is that we are not restricted to any fit out
decided by the builder. How do you want your mainsheet system? Centre main, Laser
style or transom mainsheet system; take your pick, it is available to suit you. It is all
about personal preference when it comes to effective sail controls; you can decide the
cleat positions and number of purchases for sail control.
The ultimate in fit out in the Streaker has come from Pinnell & Bax, who have proved to
be masters of the continuous control system fitted out by James Dawes who, when not
fitting out Streakers, can be found sailing one on the Streaker open circuit. 2nd at the
Nationals was Debbie Degge in a Butler Streaker fitted out by P&B.
Streaker sailors also have a free choice in terms of the sailmakers they use. At least 6
different lofts were represented at this year's Nationals, with sails from 4 of them in the
top 10.
Of course, you can take this customising of your Streaker to another level by building it
yourself, either from a kit or from plans. Every year several wooden boats are built, but
perhaps there should be a warning attached to the plans: Danger, can become
addictive! Many people who build one boat, then build another, and another!
The Streaker class will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2015 and it's fascinating to see
how it has changed over the years. Boat builders, sailmakers and the sailors themselves
have helped keep the Streaker looking fresh and up-to-date, and the class association
has been able to accommodate changes in construction techniques etc by gradual
amendments to the class rules.
For more information on the class, check out www.streaker-class.org.uk