The Tasar v the Icon

Originally posted by blaze720 Some of the recent ones I've seen supplied have a bit of line that is sub-optimal in terms of both diameter and smoothness - this binds on the line/pole exit and causes all sorts to s**t.

Hmm I don't think it's anything to do with the line, we're asking it to bend at right angles over an open tube end quite sharp with no cap or wheel or just a return would do it, it works eventually but there is a world of subtle use for it upwind as I'm sure you're aware, obviously on sea courses we spend a bit more time settled on a given tack so adjusting the leech tension and twist which this device affords, would work better with a smoother exit for the line out of the end of the pole.

And whilst I'm being picky, that top batten I haven't had a look yet but if I find contract crap up there on an allegedly premium sail from North... In light wind it is the very devil to transition.. It looks dodgy on that picture reversed like ours kept doing.

Originally posted by iGRF Originally posted by blaze720 Some of the recent ones I've seen supplied have a bit of line that is sub-optimal in terms of both diameter and smoothness - this binds on the line/pole exit and causes all sorts to s**t. Hmm I don't think it's anything to do with the line, we're asking it to bend at right angles over an open tube end quite sharp with no cap or wheel or just a return would do it, it works eventually but there is a world of subtle use for it upwind as I'm sure you're aware, obviously on sea courses we spend a bit more time settled on a given tack so adjusting the leech tension and twist which this device affords, would work better with a smoother exit for the line out of the end of the pole. And whilst I'm being picky, that top batten I haven't had a look yet but if I find contract crap up there on an allegedly premium sail from North... In light wind it is the very devil to transition.. It looks dodgy on that picture reversed like ours kept doing.

Hi Greame

1) Look at that photo again carefully .... It is in fact a rather good sail but is not like the standard NORTH fitted on the boat you have on loan (look beyond the North jib !).    We switched to North as default for other reasons, but nothing to do with battens, 'contract' or otherwise.  It blades off a tad earlier than the North if you want to set it up to do so but both are intended to do it .... as for battens why not simply check the supplied North sail ... and let us know what you find  ;-)

2) Dangly pole - 'inboard' end should have a turned acetal fitting in place that significantly reduces line friction.  We tried some with sheaves in the development programme but they offered no real advantage and simply pushed up the necessary diameter of the dangly tube - but the sheave alternatives were less fussy about the line used hence my earlier comments about suitable line. FWIW the default dangly presumably supplied wit the boat is also tapered and of relatively low diameter compared to anything else available.  Nothing but the best .....

Mike L.




Edited by blaze720 - 28 Jul 14 at 3:04pm

Blimey !   We were hardly expecting that .....  'almost' a qualified approval from GRF.  (Think I'd better go for a lie-down quickly)

The handicap numbers will sort themselves out in time - albeit the GL ones will 'zero in' to a true number much more quickly than the simplistic (arthritic ?) official PN system - (Yes - we know and the pun is fully intended as well).....  

btw - The new builder is going to produce Icon for one of their key overseas target markets in 'hardened' format alongside the regular version we will see here in a few months time.  This 'bullet proof' version will not be significantly heavier but will be intended to take a lot more 'everyday' abuse from crews who may not quite treat boats with the same care and respect direct purchaser/ owners might here in the UK !  .... like hauling them directly up the beach or onto pontoons (Yes - we've seen it done with our own eyes).    

The other changes they are introducing include jib cleats as standard on the central 'spine' each side and a number of other ergonomic and aesthetic changes they have identified as necessary/desirable...  more details next month.

Mike L.

Cue pic of grumps RS sitting on the shingle.