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Melges 14

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Chris 249 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Chris 249 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Melges 14
    Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 10:39pm
Isn't this yet more evidence that we really, really need a Formula 4 class for hiking cat rigged singlehanders?

The cat guys did it with the F18 eons ago. Just make a set of class rules that are mass-production friendly (unlike most dinghy development classes) and let everyone play together in the Formula class as well as by themselves as a SMOD, like the Nacra infusion and Hobie Tiger/Wildcat do. You could ensure that obsolescence and radical designs are controlled by requiring homologation and by strict dimensional limits, and perhaps allow in one-offs with a weight and sail area penalty.

I supposed the manufacturers fear that creating a Formula 4 (or whatever) class would make it too easy for rivals to achieve critical mass, but history tells us that new dinghy classes are highly unlikely to really catch on outside the UK anyway. If the manufacturers don't get together their new classes may all go down separately.

PS - some of us prefer aft sheeting because the leverage of the mainsheet is so much better.


Edited by Chris 249 - 06 Dec 14 at 10:41pm
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JimC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 9:34pm
A stern bridle gives you better angles than a centre one and is less clutter in the middle of the boat. Its a common setup on Cherubs. Having it a bit forward like that saves hookups on the stern and makes for a shorter boom, which in turn means there's less of a water sheeting effect when the boat heels. Make it off the boom sheeting and it would be a perfectly fine setup for my money.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote craiggo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 8:40pm
Originally posted by SimonW99

Strange, actually looks a bit dated in places. why would you go aft sheeting in that hull? aft bridle looks odd, preventing you getting back down wind. hey ho!


Simple answer, its American! We tend to forget that we are pretty much the only nation that constantly produces new classes. Development on the other side of the pond tends to be focused on existing classes.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 8:19pm
Strange, actually looks a bit dated in places. why would you go aft sheeting in that hull? aft bridle looks odd, preventing you getting back down wind. hey ho!
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 8:03pm
Should have looked more closely at the video. Not sure any Melges dinghies have been released over here, so probably won't be competing unless they are looking to fight back against RS.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote turnturtle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 6:16pm
Good news - another 'different' boat to race against without worrying about PY... Potentially and theoretically anyway.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Jeremyc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 6:13pm
Nothing like a zero if you look at it carefully. Looks to have a laseresque boom for starters, hull form completely different, nothing to do with zero.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Presuming Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 4:37pm
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Null Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 2:30pm
It does look similar doesn't it.  But there are differences even from the video I can see, like dual control lines....not heard of melted making a zero to be honest, I'm sure Rodney would confirm.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 14 at 1:13pm
Isn't it a D Zero being marketed as a Melges so it sells in the USA?


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