from Glenn's website : how has more info ?


New Ashby Sailcraft/Gel-tek A class coming soon!
Stay tuned for more information regarding the launch of the new prototype Ashby Sailcraft/Gel-tek A class.
This boat will be launched at McCrae Yacht Club on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula on Saturday the 28th Feb at 11am.
A full press release and details of the boat will be available online on the 5th of March.

The boat incorporates new innovative design further pushing the boundaries of an already thriving developmental class.
Whilst being a leader in A class sail and rig design, Glenn Ashby has taken his thoughts and ideas on hull shape, platforms, foils and rig to the next level with this exiting new product produced by Ashby Sailcraft in conjunction with Gel-tek Quality Composites.

“After winning the recent world championships in Belmont on the already proven Flyer Mk2, I have made the decision to see how far we can go with a new design both in sail plan/ rig configuration and platform design. I am very excited about this new boat and am sure I have taken some steps in the right direction to increase the performance of the current A class designs. I am really looking for ward to launching this boat on the 28th Feb”

Did anyone go to the launching? and if so, did anyone get some pics ?

Photos here

No curved blades on that boat. The bows look slightly smaller at first glance. I would be sure the boat is a subtle evolution, not radical at all.

The beams are both significantly further aft, especially the front beam. Canted boards. Relatively short tramp. Shorter bow profile.

The main beam has been moved 300mm aft. Canted boards are not new - all Geltek Flyer 11's had canted boards. The deck profile also raises above the main beam now. It left a little of the beam exposed on the Flyer 11.

Looks strange with that much bow out in front, must load the hell out of the rudders.
Of all the new designs out there, the LR3 looks the best, just have to wait and see if it goes as well as it looks.

Mmmmm.... reckon we'll know after Glenn sails the Victorian titles this weekend.
Not a new design but I think the Nikita was the best looking design at the Worlds - fast too. Haven't seen an LR3 in the flesh.

Cheers
John Dowling
AUS9

new cool pictures on www.ashbysails.com

The Geltek prototype was used by Glenn Ashby in the Victorian titles the weekend before last. I couldn't go so I only have a couple of second hand comments from people who were there. Glen won using the new boat and a wider head sail - 1 metre. Steve Brewin was second (just like the Worlds) also using a wider head sail from his loft - 1100mm.
Comments were the boat was fast but so is Glenn. He again used his uncanny ability to find and stay in the pressure. There were quite a few shifts in the breeze and he was always able to extract himself from the hole. Verdict on the boat - too early to tell but it certainly isn't slow! There was some suggestion that a little volume could be taken out of the transom. (wouldn't we all like that!)

Cheers
John Dowling
AUS9