hurricane 59

has the hurricane 5.9 comitee shot itself in the foot by allowing hurricane sx's to join the classic hurricane tt circuit?

will the two sail hurricane die out and is the sx version strong enough to carry on in its place

Yes the move is a risk but i can see why it was done

the problem for the class was they were still getting high numbers at events and at the nationals (50 boats) but new boat sales had dried up

the sx has seen new boats ordered and I believe close to 50 boats have converted to the sx

the hurricane is a great boat and i believe the sx makes it into something really special as there is the choice of two completely different rigs on a smashing boat!

well there is still a 2 sail nationals, and to be fair fleet racing in 2 sail is great because you are sailing evenly matched boats, in mixed the 2 sail boat is dead in the water unless you use and sx rig.

oh and dont get me started on the py of a 5.9!!

1, The SX does rate the same as the Std 5.9; this as you say is because the Jib is smaller (Old tornado size) and a few more lbs were added for the kite kit etc.

2, The boat (when it's windy is faster with the smaller Jib, when was sailing them there was actually discussions in reducing the size of the Jib to (old) Tornado size as overall the boat is quicker wirh the smaller sail.

3, Yes, there is a loss of upwind speed as you have all the extra string flapping around the mast and the pole in the way.

4, Re std Beating the SX, was this W/L courses?  I'd be surprised if so as unless it's survival time I would always want a kite to drive lower - also, where the crews of similar skills?

5, The old (bagged) kite was too full (I Had one and went for the flattest possible).

6, As for the comparisons with the Tornado, and the F18.  Consider, the Sx rates the same as the current F18 rating and is 2 feet longer - yes it's heavier, but generally I'd go for the extra length every time   

7, Finally, yes, you don't need to spend loads to have one. 

Dennis, Apols if the above came over agressive or having a go at you (today has not ben a good day).  Just wanted to state some facts ina  hurry. 

I think this is going to be a good thing for the 5.9; hopefully will re-vitalise the boat, get some new orders in (last time I spoke to Andy Webb The White's had agreed to build one set of hulls at a time, with Andy to fit them out etc).

If I had a spare 3K I would buy one just for long distance racing !