UK-Halsey Newsletter
UK-Halsey International
January,2006

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Above is the 75-year-old Six Meter SPRIG showing her winning ways off San Diego, California. The January issue of Sailing magazine has a feature article about the boat's restoration and about Greg Stewart of Nelson/Marek Yacht Design, the boat's owner. For now, just enjoy Bob Grieser's photo showing the Tape-Drive sails made by UK-Halsey Japan.
Is the committee boat on the finish line an obstruction? When do you clear the finish line? When do the rules of Part 2 no longer apply to a boat that was racing? Not sure? Check out the new UK-Halsey Sailmakers Rules Quiz at www.ukhalsey.com
UK-Halsey Hong Kong is on track to become one of the biggest sail lofts in the world. Last month the loft moved from Kowloon to the New Territories in order to double their floor space. Twenty-three floors up, the loft is an amazing 325 feet by 150 feet. The loft's new capacity is 4800 sails per year. Along with the size of the loft, all the pertinent statistics will be doubled. The staff will grow to 55 people, a second computerized cutting machine has been added, and the number of sewing machines will be doubled. These three pictures only show part of the loft. According to Barry Hayes, it takes 10 minutes to walk around the 48,600-sq/ft space at a speed-walking rate.
GETTING UP TO SPEED WITH THE IRC RULE
     In 2005, the Storm Trysail Club, along with several other major yacht clubs, worked to implement the IRC handicap rule in the USA. IRC replaces IMS, which was rapidly waning. The IRC rule was chosen because of its great success in Europe and Asia. Within a year, over 500 certificates were issued in the U.S. and that’s expected to double in 2006. The following is an article, written by Greg Stewart of Nelson/Marek Yacht Design, about changes in the IRC rule for 2006 and how a boat owner can optimize his or her boat. This article first appeared on the US-IRC web site.
     Greg, and everyone else in-the-know, says, the way to make sure you are getting the best possible rating is to bring your sails to your sailmaker to have them measured for IRC. Do not use the measurement certificate that was issued when your sail was new! All sails shrink over time.

IRC RULE CHANGES FOR 2006

Default Mainsail Cross-widths
Changes to rules 26.5.2, 26.5.3, and 26.5.4 amend the default value of Mainsail Upper Width (MUW) from 0.26*E to 0.22*E, and set the lower limit for rating credit to 0.20*E. This replaces the 2005 scheme in which IRC assessed the MUW as .26*E for mainsails even if the actual value was less. So for 2006, the ranges for mainsail cross-widths without rating penalties are now:
Width Default Values No Penalty Range
MUW .22*E .20*E to .22*E
MTW . 38*E .35*E to .38*E
MHW .65*E .61*E to .65*E

These defaults are similar to IMS and typical PHRF rating limits, and may limit the trend towards the extra-large upper roach mainsails within IRC.

Overhang Factor
A new rule, numbered Rule 23.2, Overhang Factor, has been added, which states: “Overhang Factor (OF) is an assessment by the Rating Authority of the bow and stern overhangs of the boat and their contribution to sailing length.” It appears that the method of determining the Overhang Factor from the measurements of overhang lengths and slopes is unchanged.

Hull Factor
Rule 27.2 is now titled Hull Factor (HF), and a new rule, numbered Rule 27.2.1, has been added, which states: “Hull Factor (HF) is an assessment by the Rating Authority of the features of the boat and their character and efficiency when compared to a basic cruising configuration.”
Note: It is not yet known whether there are any new practices that will affect how the Overhang and Hull Factor assignments are made, which in turn affect the IRC rating. Barring any significant change in approach, and based on the released information, it appears that the same attributes cited above will be favored by the IRC in 2006.

IMPROVING COMPETITIVENESS UNDER IRC
For existing yachts looking to improve their performance under IRC there are several means to consider, which include:

Record Accurate Sail Dimension
  For yachts re-using their existing sails in 2006, it can be worthwhile to have the mainsail and large headsails re-measured to account for sail shrinkage. Also, the changes to the mainsail cross width measurements for 2006 may result in a rating reduction if the cross widths are within the no penalty range; if they are not, discuss with your sailmaker any reasons why they should not be.

Bow Down Measurement Trim
  Depending upon the hull form, a more bow-down measurement trim may be desirable to improve the yacht’s Overhang Factor assessment. Note that since IRC measurement is performed with the yacht in the empty condition, it may be necessary to relocate significant weight components (batteries, engine, rig, keel) to alter the trim, since no internal ballast should be onboard.

Install Heavier Keel
  Since ample stability is encouraged, and internal ballast is harshly rated, the keel should include all of the ballast required. For many existing yachts, particularly those designed for IMS or IOR measurement handicap where stability was rated, quite a significant increase in stability and performance is possible with such a new keel, and often the impact on TCC is little or nothing. Prior to changing the keel or stability, a thorough engineering review, and possibly modifications, of the yacht’s supporting keel structure, chainplates and rig strength is required.

Change Rig Type
  For yachts with multiple in-line spreaders and running backstays, a new rig with fewer swept-back spreaders and no runners may provide a significant reduction in TCC. This may also afford the opportunity to modernize the sail plan proportions and add larger masthead spinnakers. Prior to such a major rig change, a thorough engineering review, and possibly modifications, of the yacht’s supporting structure is required.

     Note: The IRC allows up to six Trial Certificates each year to study the effect of an hypothesized change. Re-measurement is required before making most changes, and the local rating authority should be contacted for confirmation. Note also that IRC rule 2.5 states, “The spirit of IRC requires that owners and designers shall not seek means of artificially reducing the rating of a boat, e.g. increasing performance without a corresponding increase in rating.

Greg Stewart is a Naval Architect with Nelson/Marek Yacht Design, Inc. in San Diego, CA, who can be reached at nmyd@cts.com.

THE BIRTH OF THE ARAMID J-80 JIB
The overall best sail was the Tape-Drive construction; below is the the tri-radial test sail. The good looking mainsail has been used for three full seasons.
 
     In preparation for the J-80 class rules change allowing jibs made with aramid laminates, past world champion Kerry Klingler of UK-Halsey New York went to work testing the new materials. The following is Kerry’s report on how he went about the process of building a new class jib.

     At UK-Halsey, our goal is to provide the J-80 class with the best sails possible. With the rule change allowing aramid laminates to be used in jibs, I thought it would be a good idea to test sails using current and new construction techniques. I made five different sails that consisted of the following:

• Tri Radial: The standard that sailmakers have been using for years.
• Tape-Drive: UK-Halsey’s loadpath technology.
• Dimension/Polyant’s Flex Laminate: A six-axis yarn sail, this is a new material.
• Bainbridge’s MulitFiber Material: A six-axis yarn sail, this is a new material, that was still in the testing stage.
• Contender’s Maxx Material: A four-axis yarn sail, this is a multi axis material that was the first to the market and has been available for over 1 year.

     We tested these sails in two ways. The first test was to evaluate the sail in a loaded condition. We tested in 18-22 knots of wind with five people on the boat so that there would be the full crew weight on the rail. All sails were built with the same shape design and the rig tension remained the same for all pictures.
     The second test was two-boat testing where we set up two boats with identical mains and tuning. We then ran the different jibs against one another.
     Conclusions: I felt that most of the sails were pretty good, and would perform well in a race. The differences are relative.
     Tri Radial Construction: This sail maintained a nice shape with a straight leech exit, which I feel is good. The other thing I like about this sail is how the draft stayed forward. The sail is fuller that the three other sails, and is a little full in the head. It is my guess that this sail will continue to get fuller ahead of the other sails. This sail is the lightest weight sail, one pound lighter than the Tape-Drive and D4 sails. Actually we need to make the sail out of slightly heavier fabric to make it legal for class racing.
     Tape-Drive Construction: This sail maintained a nice shape, with a straight leech exit, which I feel is good. The sail is flatter that the three other sails, and has great shape in the head. The other thing I like about this sail is how the draft stayed forward. It is my guess that this sail has the lowest stretch materially of all the sails. Also this low stretch will make the sail fast and it will last longer than any other construction method.
     Dimension’s Flex Laminate Construction: This sail maintained a nice shape, with a straight leech exit, which I feel is good. The draft set slightly further aft, with a flatter entry than the other two sails. It also had a vertical wrinkle off the top batten going into the head. Otherwise the sail was very smooth and performed well.
     Bainbridge Diax 2 MultiFiber Material: This sail maintained a nice shape, with a straight leech exit, which I felt is good. The draft set slightly further aft, with a flatter entry than the radial or Tape-Drive sails. It also had a vertical wrinkle off the top batten going into the head that carried down the leech of the sail. I think this sail has the least amount of yarns going directly up the leech. This vertical wrinkle could be a slight overloading of the material. By the way, this sail was used in the most wind. Otherwise the sail was very smooth and preformed well. This sail was the heaviest sail and weighed one pound heavier than the Dimension Flex and Tape-Drive sails. One thing to note is that the Diax 2 was a test product and has been reengineered for better stretch performance than this sail. We have received a new version of this material and will be testing it soon.
     Contender’s Maxx Material: This sail was the lightest of all the fabrics. It also proved to be the stretchy, and too round in the leech. It is my feeling that the material was not well suited for this application. It was the slowest of all the sails.
     Overall the testing proved to us that our Tape-Drive sail was a solid performer. The things we liked about this sail were simple. It has great overall shape in a wide range of conditions. In boat-on-boat testing it proved consistently fast in light or heavy wind. The beauty of this sail is how well shaped it is in windy conditions and then how fast it was in the lightest wind. If you want a new J-80 jib that will perform, we have the product for you.
KING FOR THE DAY: A TESTIMONIAL
     Brian Hayen’s Frers First 51 VIDA won her division at the 2005 Phuket Kings Cup in Thailand. The regatta commemorates the King’s birthday and has been run annually since 1987. The following are some comments from Brian about his new sails and service:
     “Firstly, I must say a few words regarding the service and response that we received from Barry [Hayes] and the boys from the Hong Kong loft--it was very professional, timely and far superior to what some would call the norm in your business.
     “From the initial quote to the delivery, everything ran like clockwork given the additional problems of an international delivery and the short time for manufacture before the regatta.
     “With the technical information provided by Barry (VIDA has had several suits of UK Sails in the past) we were able to decide on a carbon Tape-Drive main and No. 1 genoa that would suit the expected wind range at Phuket during the regatta, and also be useful for some future high performance racing and cruising with a life expectancy that suited our expectations.
     “From the first time we hoisted the sails we knew we were on a winner; and this assumption was proven correct as you can see by our results in the six race series (1,3,1,4,1,1) that VIDA was first overall in the Big Boat Premier Division.
     “Again, thanks for the support from UK-Halsey.”
NEWS FROM UK-HALSEY SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
Our Yngling class sails are smooth and fast.
A Seawind 1000 catamaran with Tape-Drive main.
     Congratulations to Colin and Gladys Woods who, together with their crew, finished in an excellent position in the Sydney to Hobart Race aboard PRETTY FLY II, a Beneteau 47.7 We have been working with PRETTY FLY for some time now to convert the inventory over to UK-Halsey sails. A new Code 2 Carbon Kevlar Tape-Drive and an Airx 700 spinnaker were built in December for the race.
     Also congratulations goes to Stephen Roach and crew aboard GAME SET, a Bavaria Match 38, and the crew aboard KIONI, another Beneteau 47.7. Both of these boats trusted us to make sails for this test of tests.
     John Penfold’s loft also had a great showing in the Seawind Catamaran regatta, where the majority of sails were built by UK-Halsey Sydney. “We have been providing the SW1000 with sails for a number of years now, and have built three sets for the new Seawind 1160, which was the Australian boat of the year in 2005, and which were the top sails in the regatta,” wrote Penfold.
     According to John, Sydney sailor Peter Lowndes has purchased a set of Yngling sails for the Australian Titles regatta. The loft already has some excellent results with the new Yngling designs.
NO SLOW DANCING HERE
     NOOTKA DANCER was conceived 15 years ago in Hamilton, Ontario, by John and Helen Eisner, when they decided to build a big catamaran based on the catamarans of the native America Indians of the Pacific Northwest. Its unique profile is admired by all who see it.
     Three years ago and tons of epoxy later, they finally launched the boat and motor-sailed to south Florida where they finished the project. Several innovations are obvious, the most conspicuous being the Aero Rig. This was the second set of Aero Rig sails UK Halsey Miami built and there are very specific challenges to be met. The leech dimension is very precise with little leeway because there is some mast deflection in spite of the carbon lay-up. Matching this deflection with the luff curve and the leech length leaves little room for error — according to John, we nailed it.
     John had to finish the Aero Rig details, and in the process he paid plenty of attention to small details. For example he decided to lead the reef lines internally and all lines including the main and jib halyards exited on the same side of the boom and mast to make use of a powerful electric winch. Raising the main sail is a snap and the fathead main projects plenty of sail area since there is no backstay!
     John, Helen and I went on the first sailing sea trial together and it was a hoot. The boat really took off once the sails were trimmed. Later on in the delivery to the Chesapeake, John and Helen sailed the boat by themselves, comfortably averaging 10 to 12 knots. They plan to explore the East Coast and invite their sailing friends from Canada to join them. I'm sure they'll get plenty of takers to sail with them on this beautiful, simple and fast boat.
      Mark Wood, UK-Halsey Miami
DVDs, BOOKS, DUFFEL BAGS AND MORE AVAILABLE AT UK-HALSEY’S ONLINE STORE

To buy the UK-Halsey Real Time Racing Rules Quiz CD, go to our online store. The cost of the CD is $45 or you can buy it bundled with Dave Perry’s book, Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2008 for $65. The CD is updatable, so that every time we publish a new quiz, owners of the CD can get an online update to include the latest test of knowledge. Other popular items in the store are our laminated sail cloth duffel bags that come in 5 different sizes and styles. Click here to go to the Store.