Radial mast Changes

[John D-E <john@xxxxxxxxx>]

The wording on the ISAF site states: 

http://www.sailing.org/meetings/admin/Submissions.asp?Conference=2005_11

"For the last 3 years the Laser builders and the Laser Class have jointly
been testing and developing composite upper mast sections for the Laser
Radial produced using a continuous poltruded process. This process creates a
uniform section tube of the same dimensions as the existing aluminium tube.
The composite tube has two advantages over aluminium extrusion in that it
produces greater uniformity and is stronger. Static tests show a 70%
increase in strength without making the mast stiffer. To compensate for the
difference in dynamic response between aluminium and composite the section
has to be 14% more flexible to achieve the same performance as aluminium.

Preliminary sailing tests have shown that lighter weight sailors are more
comfortable with the composite mast in strong winds whilst heavier sailors
do not suffer a performance loss. Final independent sailing tests are
currently being conducted in 4 different locations and a more detailed
report will be published prior to the November conference. The composite
section will be widely available in early 2006."

My recollection is that the class voted down the composite mast section a
few years ago.   The claim that heavier sailors do not suffer a performance
loss is "interesting".   Its also interesting the Laser Class (i.e. you and
me) having voted down the change now appears to be funding it.  Also
interesting that ISAF has to be advised and even vote on it yet the average
laser sailor does not.  The "Regulation/Racing Rule/Affected" is stated to
be "Women's One Person Dinghy Mast".

John D-E
District 5 Sec 
Grand Master who wants to stay with full rig at Masters Worlds when he turns
65 in 2101.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-laser@cerebus.winsite.com
[mailto:owner-laser@cerebus.winsite.com] On Behalf Of Chris Murphy
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 11:44 PM
To: Malcolm Osborne
Cc: laser@laser.org
Subject: Re: CF Radial mast

The CF radial mast doesnt require a vote because it is only a change of
material in the mast section

it will be for all radial competition

Malcolm Osborne wrote:

>I saw the following on the ISAF website amongst comments on proceedings 
>scheduled for the Singapore conference:
>
>" Laser Radial sailors are sure to be interested by submission 028 
>which proposes a composite glass/carbon fibre top mast, which it is 
>proposed will increase the competitive weight limits of the competitors. "
>
>I've seen this being mooted previously, but only as a concept being
trialled.
>Is this only for the Olympics or would it come into general use for all 
>Radials ?
>
>I was under the impression that changes to Laser equipment would have 
>to be balloted amongst the members before being submitted to ISAF? 
>There was a ballot recently, but it did not mention the Radial mast.
>
>regards,
>Malcolm Osborne
>Benoni, South Africa
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