Icon Class Association

Hey guys .. We were not expecting much support from non-Iconists both here and direct ... thanks for that !

I would be interesting to see the actual data crunched to end up so precisely at '969' ... We monitor all Icon results we can get our hands on when actual timings are recorded and available.   Anyway we (The CA) will formally write to the RYA first and request what sample size, data etc have been used to work up this starting number.  

The 'new' number is only published as 'experimental' to be fair and it is for clubs, as encouraged by that venerable organ, to adjust them locally.  We do have a direct interest, of course, but it will be in everyones intersts that the workings are made available .. and quickly.   I'm sure they will have used available numbers in a correct manner.   But here as in life in general you have to be seen as 'fair' as well.  So lets know about the sample used .... there can be little reason for secrecy.

Mike L.

PS -  But  just WAIT until you see the 'T' shirts planned !... maybe not in time for the show sadly

Having only sailed the Icon once, in just a puff of breeze, I haven't got much idea, but it went so well I wouldn't be at all surprised to see it trounce Merlins in the kind of weather where spinnakers won't really start pulling. If others say it will beat them in a big breeze, then handicap wise, maybe it will turn out to be somewhere inbetween what the RYA says and what the general feeling is.

ENs mean it should get a review after 6 months, AIUI anyway.  Of course how you manage change, and the bad feeling when should the number rise significantly and this New Kid on the Block starts doing well, is another matter entirely.

Edited by yellowwelly - 27 Feb 14 at 11:52am

Just had a look at the Icon class website...

·       Custom high-modulus carbon rig - light, responsive, low profile ·      Advanced low drag hull form - yet stable and forgiving ·       Highly developed sail plan – optimised for 2-sail performance all around the course ·       Suitable to most types of racing course – and across wide ranging wind conditions ·       Lightweight - approx 87kg ALL-UP sailing weight ·       PN (recommendation)1020

PN slower than a Tasar!!??!! That's outrageous. Every single feature of the boat listed should make it faster than a Tasar... That has to be the worst bit of banditry I've ever seen, and I'm normally in print as saying there's no such thing...

Guys - just come along and see for yourself on the weekend - the 'site' mentioned above was presumably Peakys' original one from way back when he was involved and development was still running - maybe it should be taken down.  I very much doubt if any club is using 1020 with the standard production boat and rig  etc.   Nothing wrong with Tasars at all, I had several years and modest success with them sailing with offspring crew back in the day.  They got me this a '21st Century Tasar' development in the first place. Some of you might remember that the first 'Icon' concept proving boat displayed at the Dinghy Show.  It even featured a  rotating mast and fully battened sailplan with enormously long dagger board - all NS 14 derived as well. Technically superior in some respects but not ideal for regular crews possibly.  No Icon is faster than a Tasar because we did make what we believed were necessary changes for commercial reasons - and is several thousands of pounds more affordable.

The current CA data sheets, available at all good Dinghy shows, indicate something like 1000-1010 from memory.  The CA has only just accredited to the RYA hence all the PN stuff just now.  And they will be putting up the new site shortly.

We have some more recent details on the Cirrus website www.cirrusrace.com  together with some video links, also see the Devoti site of course. 

There are usually pre-used boats available - in fact there will even be one on the CA stand at the show and we have demonstraors available for sale if you make contact.  The one on the stand is a CA owned one and is in a non-standard colour scheme... striking and good for the stand but not to everyones taste.  It imight appeal to a Marmite lover or someone with an eye to a real bargain.  Make them a half decent offer and it can be yours - they don't really want to take it home !   (But you don't really have to take it away yourself if iyou do buy it )

In fact I'll make it more interesting still as I'm on the stand this year.  I know what price they will accept already - and it is a genuine opportunity for someone.....  I'll put in on a sheet of paper, seal it and tape it to the front of the cockpit so nobody (me included !) can cheat.  Look at the boat when you come to the stand, appreciate the total specification etc  - write your details down on an enquiry form on Saturday/Sunday, put the tme on the form and if you get it right before anyone else plus or minus £ 25 and I'll throw in a Cirrus undercover for free if you then buy the boat off the association.   And if you miss that there might be a couple of demonstrators we can 'spring' early.

I better get the polish out !

Mike L.