I'd suggest you consider the racing activity in the region you're in--if there's not many radials,and you're growing fast,it wouldn't hurt to get used to a lotof sail
.....tracy--I can't BELEIVE you're saying that!--do you REALLY beleive that all laser spars are equal???You've sailed enough to know that there's quite a stiffness variable between batches and locations of build,,let alone variables of alloy quality!!
Price--you cannot compare the 'off...
I recently put together a 20:1 vang using the old vang base.
-----Theory--At a certain wind-range,,,before you're sheeting-off upwind,,it may be possible to cleat the mainsheet,and play the vang in the puffs,with similar loads as mainsheet.
-----Setup--1 line is attached...
a 'theory' might be that there might be columns of condensed airflow that made it between the windward boats rigs,,,so there would be some 'deadair' zones,alongside columns of power,,
,,,,or there might have been some shared distraction for the windward boats being beside each...
.....the best solution I've found is the cheapest!--light liners inside sturdy rubber 'dish' gloves-tuck the top end inside your drysuit cuffs-just be sure to not wear them super-snug,as that restricts circulation.
one note on shipping stuff into CANADA----if you use UPS,they will charge an EXORBITANT handling fee to collect the GST from you!!On top of the UPS shipping cost,,they charge ~$35,even if it's $1,of GST due!!!!----ALWAYS INSIST on parcels via USPS........EG I got 2 sails recently,1 was UPS,1...
.....you can save MUCH $ by being creative,and doing things yourself.--the 'dr laser' site has lots of useful inf for this.---Unless you're planning to be top 10 in NA events,I'd say you needn't bother to purchase anything more than some small blocks to add into your system,and perhaps an extra...
...sailmakers also sometimes use solvent to soften and remove the residue--start with dabbing mineral spirits to soften the adhesive,,and carefully use a putty knife to lift the goo.--some say lacquer thinner or acetone is fine but I'm not so sure.....
Mast flex--overall it's been found that within the (massive)variables in laser spar flex,,,that whatever your weight,,you generally want to find a bottom as flexible as possible and a topsection nearly as stiff as you can-thes balances/shapes the sail the best.
In terms of judging spar...
I'd second this but add that it really SUCKS when it gets windy,,and the committee sends everyone in!!--At the skipper's meeting,,stress the importance that each competitor must decide if they're 'up' to the given conditions,and act accordingly.
interesting thread. some thoughts I have are......cost--If you compare the costs involved in regular replacement of crappy aluminum poles,,vs a bit more $,spent once,,,the economics balance out pretty well,,,,,,,and when you factor in the enhanced performance of a glass/carbon spar,,,,and how...
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.