Classes getting it right...

Originally posted by WildWood There are some boats in the list that you would not expect to be there for defo.  Larks? Fireflys? Laser 4.7?  And what is a Splash?  Have to wonder: 1) Did you mess up the figures. 2) If the figures are correct what on earth explains them....

Splash massive in Europe. Designed to fit between Oppy and Laser. Big on the east cost. Great boat.

Knowing Jim I very much doubt he has messed up the figures.

Here is 6 years of data - does that not count JIm?

Year
	1998		no data
	1999		no data
	2000		no data
	2001		11
	2002		16
	2003		21
	2004		29
	2005		28
	2006		47
No. of boats

I make that 68% growth in 2006 ...

 

 

Originally posted by MRJP BUZZ 585 Originally posted by Guest#260 Here is 6 years of data - does that not count JIm? Musto Skiff UK Nationals Attendance Year  1998   no data 1999   no data 2000   no data 2001   11 2002   16 2003   21 2004   29 2005   28 2006   47 No. of boats I make that 68% growth in 2006 ...     Isn't it the average from 2001, 2002 and 2003 compared to 2004, 2005 and 2006?

On that metric it's +216%

Originally posted by blaze720 Those of us who sail the Blaze know why its turned around - forget the stats its simply a great boat to sail, with a vibrant CA and active community.  It's fully sorted and to be fair the growth was from a humble starting point several years ago.  If you can handle a Laser or similar you can get along very well with the Blaze.  Its fine in the light stuff but some light wind excelling classes will inevitably glide away but the Blaze is no slouch either in the light stuff if you practice enough.  However give us 7-8 mph and the boat starts to come into its own and in 15+ mph its simply magic planing fast both upwind and down and it will humble many a 'faster' boat on the water. Yes we are scheduling the second batch of Cirrus/Rondar built boat already, several months earlier than anticipated -  and we need to now.  However earlier boats with a reasonable sail and a bit of owner TLC are fully competitive so you can start competitively on a limited budget if you can find one (ask us or the CA).  Now some might not be seen dead in one but you are always welcome to try, you might even like it  - (We'll keep quiet if 'image' is the issue !)  Seriously we are planning a couple of open trial days soon - Blaze, Beer and if warm enough BBQ provided, contact us through the Blaze association.  Don't believe us though  - just try one. Blaze 720 aka Cirrus Raceboats (via association website)

Whats the optimum weight for a blaze?

Many boats claim a wide range - but we really do !  The wings and very adjustable and refined rig allow easy depowering or reverse.  I'd say jeffers has got it right but the majority are between 70 and 95kg - simply because so many helms are in that range anyway.  There are notable exceptions outside this band but these tend to prefer lighter or windier events depending on what end of the range they are beyond but they cope well even when it is 'too light' or 'too breezy' respectively  ....  The hull is a very low rocker design and it does cope well with a wide range - a little slower than a Laser or similar to tack but the big payback comes when planing - and it does that faster than most comparable boats.  It often surprises newcomers how high it can also point when in displacement conditions  for such a wide /flatish boat but the technique to use then is to allow a little leeward heeling rather than trying for 'absolutely flat'  - as soon as the wind picks up and planing becomes a possibility - flat is the way to go.  Not that difficult to sail but it does demand a bit of rethinking and new learning to get the full potential out. You use the kicker and cunningham frequently (and the systems are sorted !) and sail mainly on mainsheet tension.

Buy one or at least try one -  the boat generates a lot of opinions and in many respects is an enigma - centreboard, wide wings, carbon tubes but alloy mast, one design but much freedom in controls, developed rig and a class that is prospering in a congested market.  Some 'tradiitonal' leanings then but with many 'new age' ones as well and it appeals to all ages and most sizes.  Its well sponsored with HP and the Loddon (real ale) Brewery helping things along as they have for several years now and this year several sponsored boats to add interest.

Anyone out there - If you want to try one contact me or the association via their website.  If you want a used boat ditto - a number of exising owners are looking to sell and buy new - but the best go very quickly so come along for a trial in the near future - you could make to the Nationals in June yet.

Blaze '720'    www.cirrusrace.com