Rooster 8.2 vs one design which next

Have many classes dropped weight in a big jump and actually increased fleet numbers? In comparison, it seems that classes that retro-fit improvements/alterations to existing hulls (Laser with Radial and 4.7; Tornado; Blaze X) do pretty well out of it. Then again, the Byte CII doesn't seem to be all that happening does it?

Originally posted by FireballNeil Originally posted by MainlySwimming The assy fireball has to be the best idea so far The Fireball doesn't need or want an assy for that matter because it's not what you look for in a fireball, a bigger kite by allowing a longer spin pole and the pole to be fixed lower on the mast would be the best thing.

Matter of opinion.

I sold 14606 reluctantly when my super crew deserted me for his family . I wrote to the class assn and said I'd like to re-join the class one day, but by then it would have to have an asymmetric. Not from a performance point of view but because it is so much easier to find a crew competent enough to sail a chuted-asymmetric hard.

After three seasons in an asymmetric, I really can't see the point in all the hassle of symmetric kites. They're so rarely an advantage, the luff-length is much less than that of a substitute asymmetric would be and the centre of effort is horribly high.

And I say all that despite (because of?!) crewing a symmetrically-kited boat on Saturdays and on it's open circuit.

 

As skiffman said, carbon wings on the 49er would be awesome. Maybe replace the aluminium bottom section with a carbon one, to keep costs of updating down. Remember hearing about the wings thing a while ago and writing the idea off, but after looking at them for a while they are carrying a lot of weight and could do with updating. Not too sure about Carbon Nomex hulls though..... Water impregnation through cracks in the hull isn't too good with Nomex cores from what I've heard and think I can remember. 

Edited by 49erGBR735HSC

i was digging trough old videos today  and saw 14245 at the Blithfield open in 94 with the Bowdlers winning in 410 Stepping Up

 

Good to see 245 still out there and yachting!

Re the 400:

I really like the rig - I don't know any other SMOD rig that allows the main to be so totally flattened.  I think the hull is probably too heavy to benefit from a skiffy type rig. 

I don't understand why they're losing popularity so much - they're definitely one of the better SMODs.  But if they're not careful they will be as dead as the Laser 2 within a few years.

I'd like to see the Laser rotomoulded, with composite mast, plastic sail and bigger rudder.

Or rotomoulded Mirror, with platic sails and an assymetric.  Oh, hang on, that's a Feva...