As far as I know current carbon mast on A-cats are in the range 8.0-9.5 kg. I do not see them being build at 6 to 7 kg, now or in the near future. Besides the F16 masts have some extra lines en fittings running up the mast that are included in the tipweight/overall weight. Things like spi halyard and spi gate, extra set of trapezes, often a mainsail halyard as well.


Indeed, a minimum tip weight rule on a carbon mast is not a perfect garantee that the builder will provide an unbreakable mast. Afterall he can still make it 7 kg and put the remaining 2.5 kg as lead in the tip. But this tip weight rule does make it alot more likely that the builder puts something like an extra layer of (glass) laminate over the full length of the mast. This would not change the stiffness much when done right but it will make the a whole lot more impact resistant. He has some weight to play with and can use that the make the mast more stirdy without fearing he will get outperformed by another builder willing to take larger risks with breakages.





The F16 mast also holds up 232% more sailarea, withstands 195% more righting moment, experiences 150% of the mast step loading (axial compression) and is sailed by owners who are several times less inclined to pamper their craft then A-cats owners.

I also seem to remember a certain F16 (and A-cat) sailor who insisted on using a 21 sq. mtr F18 spinnaker with a much higher spi gate on a standard Taipan mast and then double trapezed with it at 160+kg in a blow. Finally the mast let go. I wonder if he will try the same on his A-cat ?

Dirk, when you see this guy in the next couple of days please say hello to him from me. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


But we are going to put this baby to rest.

Zee should really go to Dubai and flash here eyelashes a few times to get a test drive on all the named boats and then decide for herself what is best for her.

Wouter