Rob B said:We have about 20 boats sailing at our club. I'd say about 12 of us are using the Intensity sails, (with the agreement of everyone else). We have not noticed a speed difference in the sails one way or the other.
Why can't we buy the class sails directly through North? This would eliminate at least one animal from the food chain and make the sails less expensive.
Rob B said:My local supplier is selling the Intensity Sails! If I need a new class sail, (which will be a lot longer from now thanks to the inexpensive Int sail) I'll go to him. In the meantime he's still selling boats and stuff too.
How do regular boat dealers stay in business? All the lead mine sailors and MANY other one design class sailors can deal directly w/the loft.
Rob B said:Like I posted at the top $200.00. Even.
Laser76489 said:On the web they sell from intesity for $200 so either your dealer trades $ or is getting discount...good price though
thanks
Rob B said:Each of the top 5 boats in every race was using an Intensity sail.
styluscentral said:...
For the record I have offered to pay a per sail fee to the ILCA and was turned down. I personally am a member and advertise my deck and hull covers in the class magazine. I do try to support the class.
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GTChris said:I haven't heard anybody here offer any evidence whatsoever that a new intensity sail will outperform a new class legal sail.
Merrily said:Well, what does this mean? Is the Intensity sail giving those sailors an advantage over the legal sail?
49208 said:The class would need to completely change the distribution model for the sail for use to see lower prices. Don't hold your breath waiting for it to happen.
This has been covered before, but here it goes again.
Sailmaker builds the sail, sells with a profit margin to Licenced builder. Builder sells sail with a profit margin to dealer.
Dealer sells sail with a profit margin to end user....
IIRC there is also a payment to the Laser class in there as well
Do the dealers and the builder help contribute to keeping the class strong and healthy - IMHO, yes, in many ways
The fact that there is a non-class approved sail available for $200 may be good for your wallet right now, but is it good for the long term health of the class ? Also, if the dealers and builder were to give up some profit on the sails, don't you think they would have to make it up somewhere else ?
I totally agree