The masts are made by Southern Spars (who acquired Omohundro in 2001). They originally were made at Omohundros facility that I think was in California or nevada (they also made Farr 40 masts). Southern then sent the tooling to New Zealand and just last year sent it to South Africa. With each move, the cost has gone up.
I had written a letter to the Class Assoc. (I think it went to Mark Biggers) expressing my concern and recommending Forte as a more economical alternative. I think Mark sent it on to Performance. I definitely agree that the cost of the new boat needs to come down in order for the class to survive, but I also don't want to see the class splintered by going to a stick that does not perform. I was however very surprised at the price of a new F17 with the aluminum mast. If the 20 saw a similar reduction, it certainly couldn't hurt the class.
Perhaps all of those interested should express our opinions to Performance. I know it is not a member run class, but it can't hurt that the manufacturer knows where the class stands.
T
I'm not convinced there would be a lessening in the performance of the boat - just because it's carbon doesn't make it fast and I'm certain that given enough time and development, an aluminum stick could be made as fast or faster than the carbon stick. However, there will be some performance difference and that is not good for the class - but it's better than death.
If you went to a different carbon mast supplier, I think you are still going to see some differences as the production methods, tooling, and/or materials will experience some differences. Either way, you're going to have to deal with some sort of change.
