Two regattas were sailed during this event. The Coconut Grove Sails and Canvas Invitational was raced on 1/11 and 1/12. The A-Class "Islander Intergalactica" was sailed on 1/13 and 1/14.
While the weather was cool, the breeze was excellent with 8-12 knots on Day 1, 12-16 knots on Day 2, 12-14 knots on Day 3, and 8-10 knots on Day 4.
Full results are attached in PDF format for each event.
Here are pictures of the latest Australian Flyer developed by Ashby Sailcraft and built by Gel Tek.
The most notable feature are the curved daggerboards. The front beam has been moved back so the trampoline length is shorter. The bows have more stem rake and the aft sections have more volume for improved light air performance.
The Barracuda will probably be the next EVO model. From the side the boat looks alot like a Melvin and Morrelli A2/A3 but the volume distribution is completely different. The boat also has curved daggerboards that are more curved than the ASG3 (but about the same as the curved boards used by Goran Marstrom on the M5). This boat was built at HALL SPARS in Bristol, RI and the finish on it was superb.
While very competitive upwind, we felt like it showed the best pace downwind even though in a couple of races, Ben Moon and Bob Hodges were able to pace Ben on their ASG3's so we think the ASG3 has the same type of potential. We all need more time with these boats especially to figure out how to use the curved daggerboards properly in different conditions. Fun stuff.
The 2007/2008 boats are still very potent. Ian Lindhal really had the LR3 cranked up and was sailing very fast. Paul Allen sailing a 2007 Guck built A3 seemed to have the most consistent upwind speed and just got better downwind as the week progressed.
This was one of the most fun and exciting events for the US A-Class in some time with all the new "kits" and more new faces that included Tripp Burd, Bailey White, and Ron Roth.
Next regatta on our schedule is the A-Class/505 Midwinter Championship in St. Pete Feb 5-7. We are again expecting 25-30 boats to be racing.
