Cirrus Icon Development

Peaky

Yes .... plenty of thoughts.  The boom height for the crew is something we are spending alot of time on.  Gnavs have their fans, fully understand the argument but they do compromise the bottom section of the sail.  Ideally you do not have them and regular 'below' kickers are more effective anyway imo.   The issue is whether the crew is OK with a regular kicker.  We are lowering the floor compared to the NS anyway as part of the new hull lines plus the boom will be 70mm higher compared to the test rig you tried.  Together they make a very big difference.   When we have the pre-production package all together a final call will be made.

One thing I can confirm is the mast - it will be a carbon 'stick'.  Like the mast you tried the next ones will also be a bare 50mm diameter but built to be a tad stiffer. I'd like to stay with this as they are incredibably efficient but there is an obvious  trade off with cost and we may end up going to 55mm.  And as you know - carbon boom and even the jib stick system ... it will have some of the N12 type advantages and be permanetly attached but we are experimenting with a novel stowage approach that will not upset the air flow over the the slim mast.   Seems little point in going for an ultra efficient rig and then dangling another stick close to the leading edge  - but as with Gnav's a final call will be made once the pre-production hulls are in test.

Thwart - I originally was in favour, or was that just old-bloke bias ?  Having sailed 002 for a while now I think they are unneeded.  But we do recognise for some partnerships they may be a 'deal maker' - so we may built so they can be a priced option that can be added if wanted or removed.  And before you ask we will do it in 'carbon' if you must. - that is if your crew is prepared to wear asbestos hikers - personally I really would stick to a light gelcoat.  (Peaky - you know my view on 'decorative' finishes already ....)  

Other fiddly stuff ....  yes but we will be keeping things simple.  Just be patient a bit longer - not long now !

Mike L.

Hi Peaky

We are getting there - and it is worth getting it as near 100% as possible which unfortunately does take time. 

Extra carbon sticks are specified and are on order for the pre-production ones, sails coming along well, plug well advanced and ICON will be gorgeous and light.  Rig development was/is the key now and coming along very well ... and oh yes so far it is everything and more we hoped for .... and rather quick.  The speed thing was not a prime objective but it is always very good when it is so obviously in the mix as well without being extreme.

But this could all be just promotion I suppose and we are very biased.  Best to come along for a sneak look.  The pre-production version(s) will be here before too long.  In the end everyone interested has to try it and make up their own mind ... but we do think you will be impressed. 

Mike L.

Have you hidden the crew under the foredeck?

As Peaky has suggested ..... he was the one with the camera and someone had to take a couple.  You can sail it singlehanded but not in any real breeze of course - you can still push on very well in the light stuff.  Off the boom sheeting is now another given for Icon as it was for the NS - simple, natural, gives totally open cockpit and light sheeeting loads ..... both boats Blaze/Halo and now ICON sheet the same way so less confusing for those like me jumping from boat to boat.

Mike L.

Have you hidden the crew under the foredeck?

Or is it a singlehander?

Glad you enjoyed our chat at the show Tickler.  Its always good to put a face to a foorum name!

Originally posted by blaze720 Peaky got to try out a stick rig on an original hull now fitted with centreboard but the boat does give some idea of what we have been doing and where we are going.  As he says it opened his eyes as to what the boat really could be - and he is already a fan.  It does look as if the  stick rig will make it on Icon without giving too much away.  There is still a lot to be done in the next few months - but in this market you don't launch before everything is fully optimised and tested if you want to win through ....  Mike L. (aka Cirrus Raceboats)

Mike was full of joy for the boat before I went sailing and I thought "yeah, I know its fast, I sailed the NS for a couple of years". But I was suprised just how well the new rig worked, even though far from fully developed.

The bigger sail area was easier to handle than my small NS sails - less jumping into the middle when the puffs went - and less sensitive to needing perfect sail trim. The centreboard does not have any noticable effect on performance and is very unobtrusive - not like the large cases on some designs.

What has always amazed me is how smoothly the boat accelerates and glides through the water - it is indescribably different to most one-designs. And it is as happy roll tacking as it is planing, so really ought to perform well across all winds.  But its not all about speed. This boat is good, really good, to sail - you feel so connected and in control.