IRC YEARBOOK 2009
GETTING AN EDGE
Andi Robertson talks to industry experts about how to get that
performance edge and keep it by taking a look at some of the
key aspects and hot topics
A
s IRC grows year-on-year worldwide the data resulting surgery to appendages, rig and sail plan, but
collection and feedback grows and so the rule for all that they love to take your money off you, most
becomes increasingly watertight. The fact reputable IRC-centric designers and up to speed
remains that virtually throughout the IRC territories, sailmakers reckon back to basics is the cheapest
too often there is talk of cheap gains, beating the rule, and best starting point.
staying ahead of the changes. The reality is that there Designer Mark Mills points to the fundamentals.
are now few simple rating beating tactics. But there are “You have an increasing scale of cost effectiveness.
plenty of ways to get the best out of equipment you have The easiest 60 per cent of the gains that can be made
Andi Robertson without necessarily spending a fortune. are the simple things. Make sure that the bottom is fair
and fi nished, and there is no excess weight in the boat.
Keep it simple Make sure all the measurements are up to date, that all
The simplest challenge is to try to improve performance the sails have been re-measured at least once a season
without a change of rating. Certainly there is the so you are not taking a higher rating than the sails
expensive route, CFD and VPP analysis and the require, and put a de-humidifi er in the boat to keep
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IRC 09 Getting an Edge_bs 24 1/12/08 09:06:34
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