R. Van der Meer
**
Aug 3, 2009, 2:21 PM
Post #1 of 9
(3704 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Developing the RAD 420
|
Log-In to Post/Reply
|
|
Introducing the RAD 420 (Reduced Area sail Design 420)
Goal
The RAD 420 was designed to fill the void in many Junior Sailing Programs, that gap between Opti and C420. Many programs have had a hard time keeping and engaging junior sailors who are either becoming too big physically, getting lonely, getting bored or have just lost interest in skippering an Opti. Historically, sailing programs had three boats to transition to as the kids developed: first a Sabot, Pram or Dyer Dow and now Opti; then the initial simple and affordable crewed boats (Blue Jays, etc.); then the premium race boats, now the C420.
Edgartown Yacht Club (Edgartown, MA) as well as many other clubs have tried to fill this gap, but have had little luck finding a suitable solution. Faced with a terrible economy and no clear momentum for any one class, we decided to reengineer/modify our older C420s in hopes of designing a new class that would be affordable, easy to adapt, and fun for the kids. We started with a reduced sail plan that got two to three kids sailing the boat without trapeze and or spinnaker (although instructors have let the kids try it all for fun challenges). The Main Sail design is about 28% smaller, has a loose foot for easier rigging and launching, and doesn’t use a full length batten to help in depowering. We decided to keep the existing Jib design as to not create another purchase requirement.
Performance
The design was tested both in San Francisco Bay and Martha’s Vineyard where it showed great handling by light crews (150lbs) in 15 knots. In light winds and heavier crews (3 kids 230lbs), the boat remained very responsive.
The main concern, after the ability to handle a breeze, was the balance of the boat. The good news was that the standard Jib didn’t over-power the boat or drive it off the wind. Its pointing characteristics were marginally affected and noticeable by only the most experienced C420 sailors. We did experiment with raking the mast back a bit and that worked well but felt it almost wasn’t needed.
The Program
While several Yacht Clubs have been working with the sail including St Francis, and Edgartown, we went into full swing. EYC has an Opti program for 8-to 11 year olds, then offers the 12 to 14 year old sailors a choice of continuing on to the Opti Race Team or transitioning into the RAD 420 program, with the older teens sailing in the C420. Based on the easy maneuverability and ease between the Opti/RAD transition, we believe that the RAD could be an option for 11 year olds as well.
Results
The Junior Sailors loved the RAD! Almost all the kids wanted to get back out on the water and sail more. Many of the Opti kids who opted not to sail the RAD were asking to go into the RAD program mid-season. Light weather and heavy air alike, big smiles were seen across all kids. Throughout the season, parents kept coming in and saying how much their kids just loved sailing now.
We had sailors rotate skipper and crew positions throughout the season in order to get experience of working as a team and understanding the different roles on a boat. While we did play with the trapeze and the kids did like this option, there was general consensus to keep it simple and focus on sailing. The whole program seems to be the perfect next step between Optis and C420.
Edgartown Yacht Club Race Week.
The RAD class debuted at Edgartown Regatta with their own class start. It was a tremendous success. The seven boats that were registered sailed in 15 to 20 knots the first day, down to virtually no wind the second day and sailed in a moderate breeze of 5 to 12 knots on the final day. Good progress in the boats was shown by all sailors. Capsizes were at a minimum even in the heavy breezes. Many clubs have inquired and are looking into the design for next season.
The Future
We expect a few more clubs will launch a program in the coming season and that many more will experiment with the RAD 420. We think that The RAD is not only great for Junior Sailing, but for yacht club budgets, and most importantly for the kids who seem to love the new challenge. It is a brilliant way to use the older C420s and continue building on the success of this boat to develop skilled, well rounded and happy sailors.
For further information on the Edgartown YC program please contact; Roland Van der Meer at roland.vandermeer@gmail.com, or 650 325 9600.
For further information on purchasing or trialing the RAD 420 sails please contact; Jim Myers at Intensity Sails, Intensitysails@mac.com
|
SCUTTLEBUTT
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG IN
1.jpg
