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Topic: Sails |
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Matt Harris |
Posted: 20-Oct-06 15:38 |
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Seeing as topper are dropping the Iso from their range and this then allows more freedom for the ISO class association to find a suitable builder etc, would this not be a good time to allow a move away from the current sail material to one that will actually last a little longer. I'm not suggesting a change of sail plans or anthing that substantial, just possibly do something like allow mylar (or some other more hardy material) mains and jibs or even just to allow dacron jibs to be class legal as the current material is really shocking and seems to shred and delaminate extremely easy.
I fully understand that in any material if you want good racing sails you will have to regularily change them, its just for those of us that don't have the funds to do this the current sails aren't even suitable to cruise (if thats really possible in an ISO) with after a few years as they literally fall to bits. |
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Stu B |
Posted: 20-Oct-06 16:08 |
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Matt,
I used to have ISO's a long time ago, but now have a Buzz which uses the same sail material.
The current material i find lasts very well if looked after. I bought a new main and jib 3 years ago, the main is still as new (although only used for opens, etc.), the jib is still very good as well and has been used every week for the past 2 years (incuding winter).
The reason my jib has lasted well i think is that i never let it flap and always keep it rolled nicely in its bag when not in use. This is quite easy with a Buzz as it has a furler fitted, this is often removed on ISO's. The other reason is that the jib was good when i bought it, i have seen a couple of examples of jibs supplied that are already starting to delaminate.
Dacron sails are also available for the Buzz and known as 'training' sails, i don't know if these are available for the ISO. I only got to know about these when i was almost supplied one by mistake instead of the proper sail! I know i wouldn't have an issue with someone using dacron sails for racing as they're not meant to give an advantage.
As a final comment, i believe other sail manufacturers have been approached with regards to supplying our sails but i know nothing more than that.
Stuart. |
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Pete Lindley |
Posted: 20-Oct-06 16:25 |
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The ISO class is in discussions with several manufacturers for sails, hulls, spars. This isn't any secret and any decisions will be announced hopefully at the dinghy show 2007, and via class snail mail. |
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