Messages

as far as the bits that go on the back, Ron Price (the guy who designed and build this http://www.warsashsuperyachtacademy.com/news-events/news-articles/2014/september/cutting-edge-hydrofoil-catamaran-unveiled-at-southampton-boat-show.aspx,) has told me that one of the component manufacturers was to announce production transom fittings for canting foiling rudders. I haven't been able to track them down yet but .....
The solent Wisper uses screw threads to provide 120:1 purchase in a very simple and robust stock, at least for the daggerboards anyway. I'm not sure how well it would transfer to the rudder stock but the whole whisper package is beautifully thought through and well executed.
 
Matt

given that double bottomed boats are now becoming the norm for entering the class, given the cost of ~£2000 and their presence on the 2nd hand boat list (though I stand to be corrected on this). Wouldn't a reduction in minimium weight be a positive move. Pretty much all of the double bottom boats have lead afaik so removing this would make for easier shoreside handling and a generally more attractive proposition wrt RS200's and the like.
 
Matt
N3496

my cherub has a self tacking jib. I think this would be a good option for single handed sailors in principle but would require a new  sails to shrink the jib so that it can run tight ahead of the mast. Given that most 12s have a small jib I don't think it would change the balance of the boat too much. The advantage ot hte self tacker of course is that htere is just one control for the jib - the sheet tension. Everything else just happens when you steer through the wind. I imagine that the cherub site is the place to look for details.
 
Matt

for the record.
I have returned to the class because I have been able
1. to persuade my crew that sailing a boat that is too small and that hurts her is better than not sailing at all.
2. to buy a modern (non-foiling) up together boat for not very much money (i.e roughly the cost of a pastic admirals cup boat 5 or 7 years ago)
I'm not put off by the foiling rudders because I'm pretty certain that my new boat will accept a retro fit when I'm ready to get one.
Whilst I have an interest in the minutiea of the rules, actually it had absolutely no bearing on my decision to sail N12's again. I doubt whether any prospective purchaser will be influenced with the changes to the sail plan, kicker, daggerboards or rudder. However taking a wider view it is reasonable to argue that developments devalue out-of-date boats, which is a good thing if you want to sail N12's but can't afford the latest.
Clearly if you want to win then its going to be expensive in N12's but I'd suggest winning in any sailing class needs a substantial investment of money and time. I'm sure that a trickle of new baots will in turn increase and provide a reservoir of decent foiling second hand boats in time. But I don't really think the number of new boat builds is a great metric for the health of a class. I had a choice of suitable boats on the 2nd hand list that met my needs. It's really the number of boats regularly sailing isn't it? So to that end I will put forward only one suggestion ..... and I'm sure it will be shot to pieces. Introduce a handicap adjusted cup to the gull series  and national's. Then all the different 'classifications' of N12's can fight for the one cup.
And actually if we want to win back the sailors who have gone elsewhere we need to shout loadly what is obvious to us all - that N12s' are a wonderful boat to sail.
Matt

Chadders and Mike, thanks for those helpful pointers.
Matt

Can anyone point me towards suppliers of mast step plates that will help be organise all the lines and halyards running down the mast and out ot the cleats.
I have a nice carbon version on 3496 but I suspect that might have been built by Brett Dingwall. Before I launch into building one (for 3486) I'd be grateful if someone could point me towards where I can buy something suitable.
thanks
Matt

Would anyone like to crew in N3496 with me at burton week?
reply or text 0*7*724088505
 
ta
Matt

Thanks John and Kevan,
that helps. To get an idea of the differences I'll overlay my sail with 3515 if G&A will let me.
I'd love to do Pevensey - I'm even available and have permission but I don't currently have a crew.
Matt
N3496,3486

I've not owned a lot of sails - but comparing my current alverbanks against my ullmans - I think you'll find ullmans easier to handle just because they aren't cut so full. They give good speed upwind but are not as powerful as the alverbanks offwind. That might be appealing.
Matt

Thanks for all your input.

In reponse
David - my boat is white - but my sails aren't -does that count?

To Confused - I am very sorry if you feel I have slighted you in any way. I was only asking for some advice and not making any attempt to upset admirals cup sailors. I mention the flooredness of my boat to indicate that its modern and down to weight - both of which might have an impact on speed.  Thanks for the advice anyway. Mainsail leech might well be the problem.

Mike -
If I'm pointing does that mean I've got an efficient rig? Doesn't sound quite right because I should be going faster. I certainly could have been sailing not quite flat because I was a little over powered in the gusts..... Something to work on there. Sails are alverbanks - same as yours I think. The rig balance sounds like a possible cause so I'll try it out this weekend. I'll have to rig something up to indicate when the tiller is centred....Ta.

Tim,
I've noticed a pointing advantage at all the open meetings I've been too over the last year. I guess - from what you say that the leech is too hooked. Actually I usually try to set the kicker so that the tell tales fly upwind. letting it off until they do - but I'll certainly look at the last few inches to the top batten next time.

You point well. Would you like to do a couple of upwind laps with me at Axbridge (assuming I can get there)?

Graham -
can I have a copy of the video please?

Thanks
Matt