Hi Everyboby,
I would like to address the A-Cat's Wing issue, which is likely to create some choppy discussion at the World.
I will not be there, as I have no more A-Cat at the moment, but I would like to present my arguments to support the wing development as cost-effective solution for ACat sailors.
I know it could appear a bit like provocatio, but it is not
1-25 kg of carbone fiber cannot be priced 25000 $
probably the same cost per kg/lb than traditional mast
2-The main tube inside the wing can be a standard pultruded section, therefore cheaper than preg/autoclave standart masts on a $/weight basis.(I am confident such tubes already exist and are not A Cat specefic stuff...and hence it is not A-Cat specific prices)
The upper part above the hound does not stand any compression, just flexion, it could be quite similar to windsurf mast, filament winding technology, again cheaper than prepeg-/autoclave, and not A-Cat specific...)
3-The remaining part of the wing, only requires the same technology than A-Cat's hulls, again it is cheaper than prepeg/autoclave technology, same remark for the sail&batten set on a $/weigt basis.
4-Your Harken bill is much lighter
Other significant side-effects
5-Storage facility
As you can fold your rig, you can store your boat on the road trailer with everything inside a 8 x 18 feet square.
Instead, your 30 feet carbon mast, is likely to be the first victim of any unexpected wheather phenomenon,involving insurance issues, week-ends on the beach waiting for the new mast...
Considering the interest of various industry's players, I guess that for mast makers it will be straightforward to produce and market wings.
But the sailmakers can become wing makers as well,there are no so much barrier to entry, using cheap carbon tubes which are not A'Cat specific, and gaining independence from traditional mast makers.
Sorry for my poor English, but I think forum are the best place to address such an issue, and I hope Wings will find strong supports
Good Wind everybody
EK
