FD
Carbon Mast (50 Series version 10)
The FD mast is a development of the Javelin, Skate, 505,
B14 mast for which we have made 8 prototypes. The mast
supplied for the FD is the 2nd stiffest mast - Called the 50
series version 10.
These carbon masts are generally about 20% stiffer
sideways than Aluminium masts which is generally seen as an
advantage. Our Technology is unique and with our design we
can taper our laminate such that we get a nice transition
where the tip joins the mid panel and also through the
hounds to eliminate any stiff spots.
The mast diameter is 55mm and it uses Intermediate
Modulus carbon fibre in order to get enough stiffness along
with a carbon fibre and glass fibre composite track to add
stiffness. These masts should be really quick up range with
the slighter softer tip and smaller diameter.
Norman Rydge has the first mast and won 9 out of 10 races
on the first occasion against the others who have been
sailing all year. Norman's outing was his first for the
year. The Germans have another mast as well which is going
on another top boat.
The 50 series version10 FD mast is designed as a conservative entry for
the FD mast with reasonably thick walls for increased
durability and toughness and a small diameter for windage
gains. Existing sails can be used straight away without luff
changes apart from changing the luff bolt rope to 6mm as our
track takes this size. These tracks are better and stronger
and are currently used on the I14's and 18ft skiffs. This
equates roughly to a $40 change over cost at the sailmaker.
The COG of the mast is 500mm lower than a Goldspar mast
and the weight of the fully rigged mast is about 9-9.5 kgs
with heavy wire forestay. It could be lighter however as we
have chosen to make the bottom panel very stiff with an
internal sleeve so that the mast had plenty of grunt down
low. Some of the sleeve can be removed to make the mast
lighter by 0.5 kg which brings it down to the class minimum
of 8.5kgs. At the moment you will have to add lead to take
it to 10 kgs under the current rules.
