Kerem,
Good to hear that things are moving forward for you. We look forward to
seeing you on the water.
No conclusive testing between the two rigs has been done to date. The
original 2 Swifts both had double spreader rigs at first. That included the
first
Forte carbon mast as well. During the early mast/ sail development period,
the lower spreaders (primaries) were removed as an experiment. We found the
boat easier to sail without them because it was easier to adjust the rig for
changing wind conditions. We noticed no loss of speed, however, our speed
testing was less than scientific.
To put this in perspective---The distance from the hounds to the tip of the
mast on the Swift is the same as the 49er. The distance from the mast base
to the lowers is also the same. The unsupported span of the mast from the
lowers to the hounds is 42 inches shorter on the Swift than the 49er. With
lower spreaders, the bend stiffness in that short span was pretty much
un-adjustable while underway. They made the entire mast more rigid.
The beauty of the current system (once set up properly) is that a simple
change in mast rake is all that is needed to shift gears. An increase in
primary tension reduces lower and cap shroud tension--making the mast bend
more
(you can increase this softening by letting off the forestay a bit just before
adding primary tension). This has the secondary benefit of softening the vang
tension at the same time. When the wind drops to the point that you are
looking for more power--letting the mast forward tightens the lowers, the
caps,
and the vang. The mast becomes plenty ridged at that point in my opinion.
All of the above should be viewed as observation and not empirical
conclusions. The best among us know about 15% of what there is to know about
the
science of sailing. The rest of us know 12%. Every person who is in a
position
to do empirical testing brings more knowledge to the table-- with success and
with failure. Neither will shock me with regard to double spreaders (but
I'll bet 60/40 on the single spreader rig). It will be fun to have a go with
the double spreader boats to find out.
Bram
In a message dated 2/19/2008 10:31:33 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
email.kerem@xxxxxxxxx writes:
Hi everyone,
First off wishing you all a great regatta and social gathering soon at Fort
Desoto. I am following through the developments with envy waiting for the day
when I can join you all in a similar get together.
Will start ordering supplies soon and wanted to know if the Forte or CST
mast, single or double spreader verdict is out yet. I am very much interested
to
see if any of the builders pursuing the CST + double spreader approach has
put their boats on the water and their results.
I look forward to getting some feedback.
Thanks & Best Regards,
Kerem
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