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Comments submitted between
3rd
January 2001 and 19th February 2001 |
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Eight people responded to the online questionnaire
during this period. All the respondents
were male with ages ranging from 21 to 54 years (average age 35.25).
Three classified themselves as beginners, 3 as intermediates, and 2 as
expert sailors.
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- Comments
about existing sailing rigs
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| "Windsurfing sails and rigs are too expensive and
impossible to reef when over powered and thus one tends to have a size
too small for racing. I got as far as rolling a non-battened rig around
the mast; but then you cannot tension it. Other racing rigs use floppy
tops which give some pull when wind drops."
"Old fashioned - not flexible enough in changing
weather conditions (3 x rif)"
"In the sailing I do, mainly small cruising and
daysailing boats, I find the masts and sails to be relatively easy to
use. Since I don't own a boat, I can't speak to cost. Appearance wise,
it depends on the boat. In general, I'm interested in sails that
function well, are reliable, and will last. That they are the fastest
thing in the world is less important" |
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| "Sail manufacture is bedeviled by
conservatism" |
True! However, conventional rig design is drawn from
hard-won experience. The ocean is a very dangerous place to be, and
most people are naturally cautious about venturing out with relatively
untried technologies. Still, despite the conservatism, rig design is
moving steadily forwards. |
| "Existing masts and sails are for the most rather
easy to use. However, costs are high, maintenance expensive and
time-consuming. Moreover, sails aren't flexible"
"Steeped in archaic terminology and design.
Appearance wise they are appealing" |
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What
do you think of the Transition Rig idea? |
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| "Heeebat sekali!" |
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| "Great idea, something I have been dreaming about
whilst listening to boring lectures/sermons. Reminds one of junk rigs.
Can you work on a Swift or Swallow shape as they seem to go fastest.
Some windsurfers are up to 40 knots now? Will it be slower in a steady
wind compared to the standard battened rigid windsurfer rig?" |
So far most of the transition prototypes have been low aspect
ratio. This is mainly a consequence of the materials being used and the
decision to gain experience of the rigs in relatively light winds at
first. Here is a picture (below left) of a higher aspect prototype made back in 1989
that has a shape more like the wing of a swift or swallow. You'll note
that the battens are placed more conventionally compared with those of
recent prototypes: this rig was designed to flex but not to fold
completely... The other picture (below right) is of a model with a
foldable speed-sail version of the transition rig.
 
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| "it’s about time s'one thought about this
idea"
"the only real progress in masts and sails has
been the weight reduction due to lighter materials. finally you came up
with a whole new design that adapts to the weather-circumstances. i
think its a promising design. i hope the developed version will be on
the market soon!"
"Great idea if it makes sailing easier, less
expensive, more forgiving, or gives better performance"
"Love it. Looks good" |
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| "I'm a student in a Dutch student surfing society
and we have discussions every year about the types of new sails we are
to buy. The transition rig seems like a feasible idea: the acquisition of
this sail might be even more expensive than conventional sails, its
lifecyclecosts appear to be much lower than normal sails. And, if I
understand correctly, these sails will last much longer. To be short,
looks like a splendid idea to me!!" |
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| "Absolutely brilliant! As a matter of fact I had
the idea yesterday myself and found by searching to see if anyone else
had similar thoughts" |
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- Would
you buy a Transition Rig?
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| "Yes but probably after reading about tests within
the Windsurfing press"
"yes, when the rig is strong enough, price is
within the price range of standard rigs, and of course when the
transition rig is better in speed and handling"
"if its not too expensive...of course!"
"If it fulfilled any of the above criteria and
was reasonably priced and reliable..."
"Maybe"
"Yes I would!"
"Highly tempted. However I would be chagrined if
I were forced to pay an exorbitant price as I have just had the idea on
my own" |
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If
you haven't done so already, please take a few minutes to fill in our questionnaire
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