Recent content by redstar

I would say go with the carbon/composite - the price might sting a little at purchase time, but you'll be grateful long term. I've never noticed a performance difference between a composite top section and a brand new, straight aluminium one. The problem is that once you've used an aluminium...

Yes, you'll just need a new lower mast and sail. You will also need to re-rig the outhaul to make up for the longer foot on the standard sail. At your weight, as soon as the breeze reaches 8+ knots you will find the standard rig a handful. 72kg is pretty close to the ideal weight for a Radial...

Hi all, getting back into Lasers after two or three years away. I’ve accumulated three MkII sails from various sources. Probably all 2017 vintage but all hardly used. Is there any way of identifying whether they were made by North, Hyde or Pryde? The only obvious difference is the colour of the...

It wasn't illegal to scull to leeward turn into the wind back then as long as the tiller crossed the centreline slowly - so effectively you could scull to turn the boat either way but not to propel forward. Of course they've change the rule since - I can't remember for sure but think the change...

Shooting up to near head to wind (or even just past it) for a couple of seconds with your shoulder against the boom to subtly back the sail, while sculling madly to return to a close hauled starboard course, is an excellent way to move the boat sideways quickly towards the windward boat. Opens...

I don’t think introducing a new rig threatens the one design ethos. The Radial and 4.7 were both newly introduced rigs once upon a time as well. This is just a new choice. When those rigs were brought out there was concern they would fragment the class, but imho they’ve only made it stronger...

I had a chance to look over the C5 rig as well, and had a chat to Ken Hurling about it. It’s a great idea, and I can’t see a long term future for the class without some bold steps like this. All the gradual changes in the past have taken years to implement and have had to try to match the...

The boats won't become worthless - it isn't in any party's interest for that to happen, so why would it? Good luck with your run for president. I'd suggest starting by reading the class constitution. Maybe you can get there in 10-15 years, if you start out by getting involved at the district...

Yes, it could be a class legal torch built by PSA (or by LP before their contract was cancelled), except that the torch class doesn't actually exist yet - it's just a website and a logo. No class association, no class rules, no organised racing, no affiliation with any governing body. I think...

Fair enough, the point is that it still shows it's a rebadged LP boat, not a new hull from one of the new Torch builders. A little bit disappointing as posting the photo shows an intent to deceive.

Problem is that in every one of the 160 districts around the world there will be discussions, and potentially disputes, about whether or not to change, how the change should happen. In my district we would have to change our constitution (we are an incorporated association, our constitution is...

Indeed they aren't. They wouldn't have the ISAF plaque visible in 'Scheidt' photo if they were...

With respect, ILCA membership is absolutely, completely, utterly, irrevocably relevant. People who care about the future of the class should join the class and be active in the class. That's the foundation that our entire sport is built on. If you are genuinely that upset about the actions of...

Plus Chris Spencer, representing the Aust/NZ builders who are firmly aligned with Kirby. So both sides in this debate are on the World Council. This isn't about supporting LPE, or supporting Kirby. It's about supporting the Class. The ILCA aren't on one side or the other - they are trying to...

20 hours a week on the water is fairly typical but this varies depending on what's coming up. Cycling is very popular off the water for base cardio fitness - most of the top sailors spend a lot of time on the bike. A lot don't spend much time in the gym.