So that we don't send Kerem the wrong impression, I think it is important to
be fair and point out that USA 002 probably has more time on it than any
other Swift and this boat is starting its' sixth season of sailing with the
same
Forte carbon mast. I've had the same Forte mast in USA 013 for four seasons
without structural problems. We have a significant number of boats in both
the US and Canada with Forte masts--the vast majority of which have had not
structural problems (I do think they've all refinished the surface coating and
some had sail track problems due to Forte using the wrong sail track
adhesive). In fact, all Swift sailors in all of our championships have used
Forte
masts to date.
With any mast, breakages usually occur during violent capsizes, sticking the
mast in the mud/rocks, or breaking a shroud (usually a cap or a primary).
Only time will tell how the CST Swift masts compare with Forte Swift masts.
Clearly, adding more spreaders should make them more difficult to break but
generally speaking, breakage has not been a problem when compared to other
classes.
Christian, could you let us know how much the CST masts cost delivered to
the US? Perhaps we could cut costs by ordering and shipping several for those
wanting to give them a try.
Bram
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