You can’t be serious

Well the stuff I researched is almost certainly a texture, a texture which
changes after an hour or so submersion and will certainly improve the
performance of the hull, that spray on stuff used to be good for 5% and
we proved that over a measured mile back in 1975, but it needs constant
re-application.

It was however illegal in sail events, but don't think that didn't stop some
antipodean application, it's invisible to the naked eye and only becomes
viable after a period underwater so very difficult to detect.

Another of the dirty tricks us Brits wouldn't consider.


Like tuned battens in Olympic OD fleets. (USA)
Carbon re-inforced supposed OD centreboards (NZ)
Re-inforced Flushing strips (GRE)..

Edited by G.R.F.

On the subject of a slighty round surface. I had a Laser which was covered in brown scum when I bought it. I had you use an abrasive cleaner on it to get the thing clean. When done the surface was slightly matt. I did the ususal after cleaning care (used a polish to seal the hull). But I swear that was the fastest Laser I have owned (I am now on my 4th for my sins). The one I have now has been painted (by paint craft) and I would say it is only marginally slower.

The brand new boat I had felt nice but I am convinced it was not as quick (especially on a reach) as the other 2.

Just my 2p....

Was it John Oakley who claimed that painting the hull with egg white (and allowing it to harden) made a super-fast finish, as it slowly dissolved during a race?

I understand the story was all a con anyway, as the boat in question would be washed off secretly after all the rivals had launched! Mind games...