scott.projectsomewhere

Lucky I didn’t accept the offer to charter my 49er to some random kiwis for the Nationals… apparently they broke the mast on the Maiden’s chartered boat this afternoon.

I’m feeling lucky.

As I mentioned briefly in the last post, I was lucky enough to be able to take Rohan’s new Bladerider for a sail last Monday.

So what did I think of the first boat I’d seen out of the much-hyped operation?

Generally, I’m quite impressed. I didn’t expect the quality of finish on the hull or wings to be up to the standard, but it was. Once they get the finishing of the foils right - there will be little to criticise on the appearance front.

The rig is obviously fast - being the Burvill/KA rig that’s taken the last 2 World Championships. There shouldn’t be any problems there.

The foil designs are definitely a departure from the progressive evolution that the other foil manufacturers have followed. Amac has gone out and designed some quite funky blades, tapered, curved down then up at the tips, bulbs at the t-junction. They’re different, but they seem to work. Even though the finish was as rough as sandpaper on the blades I used, the boat flew easily. In 10 knots it lifted out of the water in a length or two, much easier than my first generation boat last season. With a bit of finishing it should be even easier.

Rohan is talking about 20% improvement… but that’s a hell of a lot.

The foils are two-piece, and the t-junction has been the hardest part to get right for most of those putting foils together. I don’t know how these things are going to hold up, with the main foil recessed into the centre-bulb, and a screw holding the whole catastrophe together.

It’ll make for easy transport - but I’m not going to go diving 300m on Lake Garda to retrieve it if it falls off… Hello plexus.

The hull looks good. Nice low profile, no rocker. Larger transom than most. The weight is a bit of an open question, with all that glossy clear-carbon finish coming at a price. Apparently the standard pre-preg 200g carbon biaxial outer with a kevlar inner skin. Hopefully enough bulkheads and reinforcing to take the foil loading… and hopefully not all too heavy.

The gantry and rudder box arrangement did appear a little fragile, but it won’t take long to find the weak points. I’ve never been a huge fan of retractable blades, and I didn’t like the small amount of movement that was there. That will be something to tweak early in any boat. Hopefully the Stevo floating pin can hold up as well.

So all in all, I’m happy.

I still don’t like the price. While being in line with the other builders, it still seems high for a chinese knock-off. But then KA is approaching this game as much more of a business than their competitors. They’ve got staff to pay, and need to recoup their significant investment somehow. I’m sure they’ve done their numbers and know their targets.

I’d just hoped there would be awesome carbon flying toys available for about $12k AUD, not $17k.

But then you can’t have everything your own way can you?

In the end I think I’ll get one. I’ll throw my hat in the ring for the Garda Worlds and see what this new kit can do.

The first real test of relative performance will come only next week, when Rohan on his new Bladerider shapes up against Luka and Mark on their new Prowlers. Interesting times.

And I hope to god KA can meet their production expectations and put hundreds of these things on the water in the next few years.

I might even make the team if I’m lucky.

…

So it’s time to lose some weight again. Already 70kgs after stepping off the 49er only a week and a half ago.

One of the good things about having Rob Greenhalgh filling in on the 18 on Sunday was that Cam and I were invited to go sailing today on ABN AMRO.

Nice eh?

Time to kick over to plan B by the looks.

Nicho has pushed the button on his ‘08 Olympic Campaign, and needed a crew lighter than Boydy to make it happen.

So as we’d already discussed, Euan is stepping on to knock off Nathan & Ben for the spot.

But that leaves me without a skipper for the 49er… bugger.

At this late notice, SIRS is not going to happen, but luckily I’ve been able to nab a good crew for the Nationals in the first week of January.
It also means Europe is not on, and my excuse for leaving work early almost every day has just evaporated. Some changes will be needed there.

It also means Euan won’t be around to finish the season in the 18s (after the Giltinan at this stage). Cam and I need someone to step onto the boat for the last few months… it might be the perfect time to take a step back and take the boat on for next year.

What else opens up?

With no European regattas, the chance to get a Moth for the Garda Worlds is also back on the radar. I’ll have to do a bit of test sailing this weekend to see what gear is fast… and available.

I might also use this 49er I now own, and get myself a crew for the ‘08 Worlds in Melbourne.

Still plenty on…

…and who needs a super light 49er crew for Quindao?

I’ve been trying to dig up some backing info on this 9er World Decision… and after a bit of contemplation and a look at the bid documents for the Lake Macquarie proposal (and without seeing Melbourne’s)… I’m beginning to see why Melbourne was chosen.

The documents are the 49er Bid Covering Letter, a Memorandum of Understanding and a 49er Bid Doc.

Now while a lot of effort has undoubtedly gone into this bid, SailMelbourne would have absolutely destroyed in on the presentation front alone.

SailMelbourne also has a large number of race officials, fully experienced in running events like the ‘99 49er Worlds, i14 Worlds, 470 Worlds, 420 Worlds, Finn Gold Cup etc etc etc. Their full complement would trump the non-committal race committee approach of the LM bid.

They also have a fully-operational web site, with fast results. Something the LM bid didn’t have.

They also have the experienced and operation press office, priming the media with plenty of articles, results and photos before and during the event. Something LM didn’t have.

So on those fronts I think the committees have done the right thing in going for Melbourne.

If the conditions are right, Sorrento is going to be fantastic. It could be beautiful, warm and windy.

But if it blows a Northerly (ala Mccrae last year) it’s going to be ugly and the regatta could lose a day or two. If a Southerly front comes through they could lose another day or two (ala 29er Nationals in 2003). If none of that happens… the sailing should be great.

So I hope it’s a huge success. It’s a shame it is not in our own backyard, but such is life.

I got a call at about 12 yesterday… from Herman… in Tokyo… to try and organise a bowman for his 18 for the race which starts at 2.30.

None of the people I tried could make it unfortunately, but luckily there was a guy in the park which meant they could get to the startline… and avoid another 15 point penalty for the Nationals.

How hard is it to find crew for these things!