My current setup is an old M20 snail and a spi pole from a Tornado. The support rods a ski poles in carbon where I added fittings for the bow and the pole.
I'm trying to convince Marstrom to build a spi kit designed for the A-cat. I should be similar to the M20 but with a smaller snail that can handle up to 18 m2 of spi and a lighter spi pole and streamlined support rods between the bows and the spi pole. The halyard should be internal similar to the M20 to reduce the drag.
We are 6 A-cats in Sweden that are interested in this kit and if we can find some more sailors that I think we could convince them to make a kit!
Some technical data about the film: The film is taken with a sony bullet cam using a wide angle lens. The video signal from the bullet cam is connected to the video overlay unit which adds the gps data. The video overlay unit has a video out which is connected to the analogue in of the dv cam. I use a 80 minutes tape which runs in LP-mode so I get 2 hours of recording.
The gps needs 5 volt, the video overlay needs 5 volts and the bullet cam needs 12 volts. I used to have a pack with 10 AA batteries but they where not reliable, it is no fun to get 2 hours of darkness after a terrific sailing trip!!! I use a soldered battery pack with 10 AAA batteries instead which is smaller and gives me 2 hours of power. I use a small switched dc-dc converter to get 5 volts.
Having sailed on an A-cat for the first time this past weekend (Nacra A2) I can't IMAGINE adding a spinnaker to the thing. It's so incredibly sensitive and accelerates so fast as it is - I can't imagine lake sailing with a chute on one. Granted, I was on a lake with a very gusty wind condition that day. That being said; what an incredible ride!
Jake Kohl
Re: Video with gps overlay, (A-cat sailing)
[Re: Jake]
#57947 09/26/0504:23 PM09/26/0504:23 PM
it would be nice to get a ride on one of those. I plan on trying to continue to race after I leave Fl but the crew issue might be a problem- so maybe an A cat would be nice - but I don't think I really like sailing/racing alone all the time. as for the spin, looks sweet, but I think Jake is probably right... especially if you are on the lighter side.
Re: Video with gps overlay, (A-cat sailing)
[Re: Hakan Frojdh]
#57948 09/26/0504:44 PM09/26/0504:44 PM
Now that's the stuff! Wow so what's the chance A class eventually going spi? Hakan, is the improved balance from the CE being moved forward some? I'm sure it would be possible to retrofit other A class cats to go spi in the future. 18knts in 6 to 12knts is fast, about what a fast course slalom windsurf board with a 7.5-8.5 does off the wind in 12knts. Anyway you've got me hooked and I've never even sailed a cat!!!
I love the videos, the Rammstein clip was pretty cool. Anyway can't wait to see some videos of sailing in 20knts, how about some shoreline shots when you do!
Scott
Re: Video with gps overlay, (A-cat sailing)
[Re: Scotty]
#57952 09/27/0503:04 PM09/27/0503:04 PM
Tony, Thanks for the tip about Firefox. I do have trouble sometimes with videos. Seems I can't play a fair number, including several on the Beachcats video page. Any advice?
Re: Video with gps overlay, (A-cat sailing)
[Re: Brian_Mc]
#57957 09/27/0507:09 PM09/27/0507:09 PM
