RS800 - one string or two

800's are not wider than B14's, even in their widest configuration. 

The B14 is wider than a 49er (but only just) - the 800 is not wider than a 49er!

Originally posted by kanga Originally posted by combat wombat We do that every tack and gybe in the B14 - why can't the 800 sailors! Because i think 800s are wider, especially if you are light - equalized performance=wider racks! And there's no netting so imagine the accidents!!!!

The single wire 800 had tramps like a 4000.

18 foot skiffs are 14 feet wide!

When RS launched the 800 it could be sailed in both modes on a level playing field. Those who bought the early boats got the tramps etc. included in the deal. Unfortunately with the wings right out the boat was a bit tricky to sail, with a similar wing width to a B14 so helm had to get a long way out, and the crew had to run like hell to get to the other side. At the time twin string boats were only deemed to be for the superhuman amongst us, but everyone who bought an 800 quickly mastered it, and no one really tried to get the single string set-up working. In the end the single string concept fizzled out and was only used by holiday companies and in the end they reduced the wing width and gave it a slower PY.
If you have the original single trap kit and you put the wings right out though you should compete on the twin trap PY.
I'm probably going back to an earlier point here, but we all want to sail against people on equal terms to gauge our performance, and tend to act like sheep (human nature I believe) and so everyone generally went down the twin trap route.

Paul

Nope - The Single Wire boats arn't raced. ( Unless you're crazy and WANT to come last! ) I think its also MORE to get a boat with only one wire ( Just checked .. £99 for a single trapeze conversion kit! )

Wern't they made as a special version for resorts, so people can sail them single or twin string?