59er v rs400

   The B14 rig may be 20 years old but other than 49er/59er/49er and the new Byte  I don't see any other one design rigs that are close.  It is this technically advanced rig as well as a hull that didn't just appear by accident, that allows the B14 to be sailed across the wind range by crews of various weights without any  "weight equalisation" . The standing rigging is not adjustable whilst sailing but it is possible, on the water,  to move the pins in the cap shrouds but one would only do this before the race.  Add to this  fixed jib sheeting points and what you have is a very simple layout with boat performance very crew dependent. 
The B14 is also very course dependent and will thrive upwind downwind but will struggle on triangles as the reaching angles are way too tight.  
Returning to Nicks original question, the Rs 400 will give you traditional fleet racing in a boat not much removed from designs that have been knocking around for 40 years.  The 59er looks great but they are still new and without a real fleet.  The B14 therefore fits the bill of exciting hiking boat, upwind planing, bonkers down wind stuff and a seriously talented fleet ( not me ) to go and play with  at opens, worlds and Europeans.

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boatshed Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 12 Apr 05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 457	Post Options Post Reply Quote boatshed Report Post Quote Reply Topic: 59er v rs400 Posted: 18 Jul 05 at 1:41pm
	The B14 rig may be 20 years old but other than 49er/59er/49er and the new Byte I don't see any other one design rigs that are close. It is this technically advanced rig as well as a hull that didn't just appear by accident, that allows the B14 to be sailed across the wind range by crews of various weights without any "weight equalisation" . The standing rigging is not adjustable whilst sailing but it is possible, on the water, to move the pins in the cap shrouds but one would only do this before the race. Add to this fixed jib sheeting points and what you have is a very simple layout with boat performance very crew dependent. The B14 is also very course dependent and will thrive upwind downwind but will struggle on triangles as the reaching angles are way too tight. Returning to Nicks original question, the Rs 400 will give you traditional fleet racing in a boat not much removed from designs that have been knocking around for 40 years. The 59er looks great but they are still new and without a real fleet. The B14 therefore fits the bill of exciting hiking boat, upwind planing, bonkers down wind stuff and a seriously talented fleet ( not me ) to go and play with at opens, worlds and Europeans.
	Steve