Cirrus Icon Development

Just adjust the jib tack height as in the B14.  Pin it low in a blow and high in the light stuff.   Small adjustments make surprisingly large differences to the leach tension.   Very simple.   Unless this is what is mean't by adjustable jib luff tension ???  

Peaky, I understand your description - thanks.   If the jib tack is on a multi hole adjuster, you can alter the tack height and this changes the leach tension.   The luff tension can continue to be as described.   This then avoids complex jib sheet adjustments. 

Trouble is,  once set, the tack height isn't too easy to adjust during a race - but I suppose there ain't much for the crew to do downwind, so, the crew could clamber over the foredeck and adjust the jib tack !

Am I missing something?  I thought that the dangling pole controlled jib leech tension, that's enough isn't it?

Mongrel, the dangley pole is not used upwind - it just dangles from it's upper end and bangs against the mast when not in use.  Upwind, the jib foot and leach tension are set by the jib sheet.

Peaky, you need one of these  http://www.purplemarine.com/Product.aspx?ProductCode=SM-174-208-01
for the jib tack and a fast pin.  The tack of the jib material runs inside the fitting.  Gives about 3" of adjustment.The B14 uses a fixed position for the jib sheet turning block on the foredeck.  I think the Icon uses transverse tracks as a Tasar ??

Hi Steve

Sail area is just under/around 13.5m ..... and despite the tallish mast Icon has a relatively low centre of effort.  The main and general sailplan is designed to be partially 'automatic' but as you might be implying it is easily depowered upwind in real breeze and the full area is maintained there for offwind and reaching.  As the hull is also long and very easily driven as well Icon maintains excellent pace offwind.  In light and moderate winds Icon naturally benefits from the area all round the course, not just offwind. 

In relative terms the basic sail plan is not that large by modern standards  - for example the 400 carries significantly more sail upwind and on an alloy mast.  We tried more and we tried less and this area seems to be a good compromise all round on a hull that is 14'8" long.  Years ago boards adopted carbon masts in the 80s and we were soon carrying considerably more sail, and going much faster and with less effort - but they had to be matched.

You will just have to try it ! ... soon.

Mike L.