V Twin

Where is there a restricted class fleet that renews all its boats annually?
Probably the most competitive restricted class, the Merlin Rocket, had its nationals won by a boat several years old, despite that boat being beaten in most of the races by an even older boat. The Merlins could easily reduce their weight, it's been debated, as most of the boats less than 15 years old carry a fair amount of lead. But it is not in the interests of the class to do this, it would undermine the grass roots and open circuit where you get many older boats turn out for competitive racing.
Rather than warming over 90's designs with  a few kilos less, I would like to see a few new designs built lighter. Have there really been no advances in hull design since the RS400?
Yes a boat buit lighter might be more fragile, but it might also be nicer to sail, and faster for the same power.

The problem is not many people can afford a new boat on a speculative basis, it's much more sensible to buy a boat with a class rule behind it. That way it might cost the same, but the depreciation is reasonable.

G.R.F...

I can't remember having a conversation with you about the 3.7 with regard to it's hull weight. Certainly not one where there was any passionate discussion ending with anyone being close minded.

The 50kg hull weight is there because it is an achievable weight that an amateur boat builder can realistically build to in wood. One of the great things about the class - plus 50kg is light especially when it only costs around £500 for the materials! But the class allows wooden boats to be built as light as 45kg. Dam light and achievable if your skills are up to it (Max 5kg correctors). The rules also allow composite hulls (which carry spinnaker equipment) to be built down to 35kg (Max 15kg correctors). So as not to handicap those wanting to sail for fun with the kite when (edit: (not) racing.

so... I'm sure if you wanted to build a composite boat that light and sail without correctors at your club. No one would mind. Just tell your race committee and put your correctors in if you come racing with us.

As for fleet numbers.

There are 4 boats being built (possibly another if G.R.F's mate builds over the winter), plus mine, so 5. With several interested people waiting for Dave Butler to finalize his costings and his demo boat.

So G.R.F why not join us and when the class is formally launched and it's appropriate, get enough signatures and votes for your ideas and you could change that close minded situation.





Edited by Jack Sparrow - 21 May 12 at 6:51pm

Anyway G.R.F you know you should have build this like I said.



40kg ALL UP. Rig, Sails, Foils everything. PBO rigging etc... problem is it was so dam light and fast anything over F3-4 and the guy couldn't keep control of it! Nothing to do with the crew weight, just how lively it was off waves etc... the sailing equivalent to windsurfing.

Relatively easy for weight, ( 32kg for the Cherub above ), but I don't think it would survive being  run up the beach.

oh, now who do I know who has a single trap kevlar hull in her back garden.  reputedfly weighs 58kg..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120889664190?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649