phantom/solution

Definitely need to look at the sail on the Supernova. They do look pretty muck like a run of the mill cross cut sail with nothing special.

Perhaps they could follow the Blaze lead and have a review of the rig followed by a transition period to allow both rigs to sail and be 'in class' then drop the old rig. For the Blaze there was no comparison between the old rig and the new one.

Just my 2p, I did consider the Supernova but it just didnt inspire me in the same way as other boats.

Bargain boat for the money though.

Paul

Strawberry i have just read this whole thread and really you are sounding like a complete fool.  First of all a Forum is a place where someone can express their views and opinions that is why it is an open forum! Therefore olly can say exactly what he likes about the supernova as after all it is only HIS opinion.  The supernova is a good boat for people that can't compete in large fleet racing such a Laser, solo etc or are on a tight budget.  The fact is y friend that if you have ever raced in mixed handicaps with them then they are MILES of the pace.  I think you are being more then a little harsh personally attacking Olly for putting accross his point of view.  Its very easy to be balshy and gobby on a forum but having known olly for a long time i doubt you would be so aggresive to his face.

Re: Topper and GRP boats - this has been known for at least two weeks really quite widely - and was announced by Topper on several class forums so hardly a great secret.

I can speak at least for the Blaze with authority and can assure all that there is certainly a very bright future indeed ahead. There are already been SEVERAL exressions of interest by other builders to the design rights holders who are in any case independent of Topper. 

Topper get a lot of knocking from many on this forum but as a company over the years they have transformed the market - first with the original Topper which introduced modern plastics and in the 90's when they were behind the SMOD revolution in the UK that has led to a radically improved market.  That they now are returning to their plastic roots is not surprising for those who know the sector as that's where the big money is to be made.   They, and the design rights holders of the GRP boats are however ensuring that changes in manufacturer are being done it in an ordered manner, and that those boats that warrant real investment by others will for sure get it now !  As just one of the classes involved we now expect to grow even faster in the future.

Mike '720'  Blaze Class Association

PS - Now where were we ? - Oh yes - the Solution sail .... its still a cut down BLAZE one as mentioned  before the attempted derailing of topic ! And the Solution is all the better for it .... I like it as well but I do prefer my 'zimmer frame'

 

 

  

 

Originally posted by jeffers [QUOTE=Pabs] It is not exactly public knowledge at the moment but it certainly is not secret but Topper are moving away from making GRP boats to concentrate on their rotomoulded range (aside from the Topper itself of course).

This has to be terrible news for the ISO Buzz Blaze etc. If topper can't make them profitably enough to carry on manufacturing GRP boats who on earth can. Presumably the prices were already as competitive as topper could make them but still not enough people were prepared to buy them to sustain their place in the manufacturing cycle. I fear that topper's range of grp boats have become just too old, none newer than 10 years (?). Maybe this is topper's way of letting them die, though i would be very p155ed off if it was me that bought the last topper grp boat before this announcement was made

Originally posted by Mike Gibson Having sailed a Supernova for 7 years I can strongly recommend it as being far from lame. At £3500 brand new, cover, combi, sails etc etc; what a bargain. It sails well in all conditions, both on inland and coastal waters. great association, good circuit, great builder. Probably the best TRUE one design single hander on the market today.

I remember seeing the prototype supernova back some 10 years or so. Rumour had it that the hull shape was taken directly from a 505 with the top sides hacked off and back cut away. Look at a 5o bow profile and then the supernovas. Nice boat to sail though and unquestionably fantastic value for money even if the sail is hopelessly out of date. Put a solution sail on it and i'm sure the boat would be transformed both performancewise and aesthetically.