Forums, Mast, Rigging and Sails, Blanco's excellent commentary on new #2

Mark Himsworth at 12/05/2014 09:31:02
What follows is from Blanco’s Ray Rouse, who trialled his new laminate #2 yesterday:*********************Dear Race Fleet,Blanco went out for a pleasant jolly this Sunday morning to try out our new laminate number 2. The W’ly wind was averaging 23 kn with the occasional gust briefly up to 30 kn. We stayed in the entrance to Southampton Water, in the lee of Calshot, where there was little sea running. With a slab in the main, the number 2 performed beautifully, sailing high and fast on a beat. And the boat was comfortable both upwind down. The number 2 goose-winged very efficiently on the Spinnaker pole, which will be a boon for those boats too shorthanded to risk hoisting a Spinnaker in a strong breeze. If anyone is wondering whether or not to get a laminate number 2, I would urge them to make the investment that will stand them in good stead for a very long time, amply repaying the higher initial outlay. I do applaud those on our committee who put in so much time and effort into developing the modern Contessa sail plan. We now have a beautiful, classic yacht, with sails that will last, have a wide wind range, and are now easy to handle. It really has made the Contessa a wonderful boat to sail in all weathers. Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible and at the Royal London regatta (and let’s hope that we don’t lose that one to weather as well!!), Ray Rouse.