Cirrus Icon Development

'Capsizing' was assessed last year - and was fine.   The sides are very similar to the pre-curser NS and you may be able to see that the 'upper'chine is convex for most of its length - i.e. less volume than a more conventional concave or ‘neutral’ side shape for a set width.  It was actually done to shed water 'outwards' but does it reduce side deck volume as well.  Wide boats can be a problem as I think you are implying if they have too much volume in the side-decks.

However Icon is not excessively wide at around 1.94m anyway  As the hull as a consequence is already relatively 'thin' in these areas we have even added a couple of 'bulges' in the cockpit wall (in cockpit) for better mechanical strength.     The other volume change was a lowering of the floor for Icon – not done to reduce volume but of course it has a marked effect as well.

Lastly on this subject we have developed the mast to be virtually sealed to help prevent inversion.  This is not very common at all.  The only opening in the upper mast is for the mainsail halyard – it is internal but is squeezed through an epoxy plug at the head that is just large enough for it to pass through.  The Aardspars stick is also a single section in use and not 2-piece.  In addition the standing rigging is ‘external’ to the mast and the jib halyard runs within the zip-up jib luff.   So being a bit tall, and very light in carbon plus being very slow to flood when plopped in the water the boat is much more reluctant to invert and gives the crew a lot more time to sort themselves out.  Occasionally you may still end up there but the low diameter tube carries much less water and drains freely at the base - so you can get it right way up more easily.

Yes – we have worked on even the ‘capsize’ thing with Icon to the ‘n’the degree …..   Short of putting tubular wings on it there is not much more we could be doing ! (because they flood when capsized and you can be wide and not have to deal with a ‘volume’ penalty when capsized)

POINTING – It points ….. It is long and easily driven and can be sailed as high as the vast majority of classes it has encountered so far.  We are still working on optimal settings but this one was very good straight out the bag …… they are not always.   Like the Tasar you will also have to decide in reasonable breeze whether to ‘pinch/point’ or cut a little lower and plane upwind.  Frankly until we do a lot more sailing with this new rig a fully objective assessment will be difficult.  However it is looking good so far and can only get better.

Do not draw too many conclusions from early video – a lot of trial and error is involved and we are playing with settings much of the time.  So far we have often chosen to start behind regular starts so we can get a better understanding of what works as we catch up.  If we ‘go’ for it with ‘best’ starts possible we would not be learning as quickly.  Gut reaction / impression ?  It will prove faster than a Blaze/Halo (my immediate referance) and slower than a good Merlin around most courses though possibly faster on some legs.     

Y&Y tested it today – now I’m biased of course so it will be interesting to see what they say but you might have to wait a bit and buy your own copy  ……  ;-)  

Mike L.

 

 

How much ?

... will be revealed at the Dinghy Show.  We think it should prove attractive, particularly the initial deal that will be offered.

Mike L.  

Hi Greame

Oh damn - history could have been so different if only ..... well well I'm still kicking myself even today, weeping over the keyboard .  And to think we had you down as a right regular 'tire-kicker' .. you know the type who always wants something not on your standard menu ... or anyone elses ! 

...and eventually is compelled to open their very own restaurant so they can offer their own 'you know exactly what the market needs' menu.     

Seriously though good luck ..... but does this now make you part of the 'despised marine industry' as well now  ?  Will you pick up all its bad habits and slow ways as well ?  Will you make one for all sizes of people ? 

Mike L.

PS - Can't resist .... So tell us how much is the V-Twin going to be ? ... or might you wait a while

I must admit, if I were going to the show with a cheque book belonging to an account which could afford an Icon, I would like to know a price beforehand. But then, were I in that position, I would contact Mike off line and find out in private.

Exactly.  We have qualified enquiries already and of course welcome more.  Some of these people are now getting to try Icon before the show as well.  They will have outline indication of prices of course ....   if not the full detail just yet.     

The formal launch was always set for the Dinghy Show and we are working with our suppliers to make the final package attractive now the specification is set.  

Mike L.

Hi James

I smell a bit of a ‘fishing expedition’ ...  and ‘little birdie’ might be best advised to keep the day job .... With 20% VAT today and a high specification they might survive longer hunting for crumbs rather than building boats

Mike L.