All-new Radial cut Dacron Lightning sail at the RYA Dinghy Show
by Lee Bratley 27 Feb 2013 05:08 GMT
Stand F16, 2-3 March 2013
The progression of the Lightning368 class continues apace - the 'off' season has been anything but for us as we prepare for another year of growth in 2013.
The 2012 Championship proved to be the closest yet, with the title being decided on the very last race of the very last event of the 40+ race season, proving the close nature of these fantastic boats that are winning new fans with every passing race weekend.
Builder John Claridge has gradually been updating the looks of the boat, giving it an all-new modern look and feel but without disadvantaging the older boats that continue to perform competitively in the fleet.
A new cockpit layout with scalloped side decks aid hiking comfort, a mainsheet pod replacing the old thwart gives the cockpit straight through cleanliness - allowing for full length toe straps. A new, slimmer rudder blade helps with steerage when heeled over - "Power Steering for a Lightning" is how the blade is often described. A new profile to the upper part of the Centreboard in the cockpit, just to further spruce up the lines inside the boats. Two rigs are now available - full at just over 7Sq Metres - and the 'SR' rig which is a little smaller and sits on a shorter mast. The 'SR' is aimed at the smaller, lighter sailor who finds the big sail and short hull quite a handful in a blow. The SR sails on the same handicap as the full rig and is starting to prove popular with both juniors and lady helms.
The full rig also has the option of two different masts, the 'traditional' slim, carbon topped or a new Superspars thicker, stiffer option for those whose hiking muscles are a little more developed for hard upwind work!
All of these developments have been borne of a close relationship between the Class Association and its builder John Claridge, with many ideas making their way from the Lymington workshop and into production following discussions and input from many of the boats sailors.
With the RYA Dinghy Show this coming weekend, the class will be revealing their latest development with an all-new Radial cut Dacron sail.
There is already an option for either Mylar or Dacron in the class, but the Dacron has now been updated from cross cut to Radial to further enhance the modern looks and to give a similar line to the existing Mylar.
Visit the Lightning368's on stand F16 where we're set to show a new boat and all of the latest developments within both the boat and the class.
The 2013 Series starts with a weekend in Staffordshire at Manor Park SC near Lichfield on the 6th & 7th of April - Training on the 6th followed by the Lightning368 Northern Championships on the 7th.
Good luck to all sailors in all classes during 2013, come and say 'Hi' over the weekend at the show.