Cirrus Icon Development

The programme was set out last December and is still running.  The objective was to investigate the potential of a modern NS14 type hull with that classes prefereed choice of wing mast rig as well as later an alternative 'stick' mast option.  It was always planned to switch to a centreboard.  We are now into the 'stick; mast assessment while in parallel the hull is being developed.

The 'raw' NS hull we had was very good indeed, not surprising after 50 years of development, but it simply did not carry weight as well as was wanted so we had to then plan a new hull - always considered a possibility.  So more volume went where is was needed and while we were at it the hull  was lengthened by nearly 20cm and widened by 5cm.  There are loads of other changes going into the current development - you will all get to see in due course.  We are obviously getting a long way away from the NS now but it is still long and slim on the waterline, but a little less extreme although we have tried to keep some of the distinctive NS 'look' - cos it looks so good.

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 ....

... and yes - (sufficient) development is expensive.  The alternative is simply not worth doing at all if you wish to have a good chance to compete fully with a new class.  ICON has to be  right - we are a small maker !  There is another saying that might be appropriate "We are poor, we can't afford cheap things" - in development this is particularly true.

Anyway once we have pre-production 'stretch' hulls and have a fixed rig many more will get the chance to sail - we know a lot of you are itching to try but please bear with us a little longer.  We hope to blow your socks off with ICON !  

Mike L. (aka Cirrus Raceboats)

Only joking but it sounds like you have found out why people sail a
development class!

The Icon was certainly a rocket the other weekend considering the
conditions.

The crew's on dry land, taking the photo's (and enjoying a picnic)! One sail per person - even the 18ft skiffs take that approach!

Any news on the latest tests, developments and decisions? 

Thanks Mike.  I know its still early days, but any thoughts on kicker or gnav? Thwart or no thwart? Bridle or split mainsheet? Jib cleats/ratchets? Barber haulers? And all the other fiddly decisions?