Alto - Why?

But GRF, you didn't answer the question- have you ever bagged a kite?

Having 'a tube thing' would make every single boat obsolete unless they are modded somehow.
But what's the point of changing?
Bagging is just as easy.
And your kites will last a hell of a lot longer if they're not dragged down a tiny hole 4 times every race...

My son who is front man on the B14 which he owns with my semi son in law never complains about bagging his kite, but he admits that getting it right takes practice. B14 racks are just riveted together and come under some strain when they are removed for transport/ storage. My boys have puchased welded tube joints (expensive) which fit over the joints to re enforce them. This cures the problem of broken racks.

Funny how a thread ends up beng a sl*gging exercise. The Alto did not look bad but the thought that it could beat a B14 in any condition, dream on. Several observations that I noted were, I believe in strong wind with a decent sized crew on a tightish reach, the pole system looks to flimsy. Also if hoping to plane upwind in breeze and waves, you'll be wishing you had those bags as the chute is a real water retention magnet. I am also curious why the designer went for loweres rather the gating the mast and sleeving the tube to remove one set of wires from low down and if necessery twin spreadering the rig. This would give more control to gust response and greater upwind performance. The slate on the B14 is very risky, as it is an established class, has a strong following and is a real pleasure to sail unlike many boats. I went round the Dinghy show main hall and counted only 11 boats that I have not sailed including the Alto so think I have a good idea about what I am talking about. With bags the kite lasts twice as long as the coating is not ripped off by the chute.

As for the foredeck, why. Why not double bottom her and remove unwanted distractions and make her self draining.

Daggerboards are actually better than plates as when you rake a plate you change the dynamics of the boat and slow down the reaction time due to where the tip is. Daggerdoards can be raised as conditions require and are more efficient across the wind ranges.

Crews on the foredeck is to reduce drag of the hull in light airs and is very effective as many will know in other classes.

I am sorry but have to agree with Boatshed on this one and would say that on a marketing position, you will need all the friends you cna find and sl*gging off any classes is not a wise move as you may alienate some potential customer.

So have fun and I am off sailing thoroughbreds, Merlins, Fireflies and skiffs.

Bye for now

Barnsie

The key to this discussion is not what boats you might have sailed, it's
what type of water you have sailed them on.

The English Channel in the straits of Dover is a very harsh place. Many
years ago they gave up trying to race dinghies across it the attrition was
too great.

Its why B14's sail happily at Whitstable along with Mustos, yet neither
craft could survive half a season here and it has nothing to do with the
competence of the helm. There are no incompetent helms on the water
here, you have to be sharp just to get off the beach.

I hate the word "sl*gging" it simply doesn't describe my intention of inter
class banter, think of it as joshing it really is only meant that way.

This is a thread about the Alto and why I chose it, I'm not trying to sell it
to you, as I said, I really don't care if anyone else adopts it or not, but for
where I am both in my sit down career and geographical location there is
imo nothing better and I most certainly would welcome a challenge from
B14's to come race us on our water, but be sure to come insured...