Seeing the ultralight conditions, and feeling the pressure of not performing up to his reputation, Bora switched over to his KA for the day. This is the sail he used to claim the 2009 Worlds and he feels a special connection to it. We find this a little disappointing, but understandable considering Amacs dominance in race 1 yesterday. At this point it’s a psychological choice for Bora.
The first race of day two was really light breeze, with the boats basically sailing in low-rider mode. This didn’t suit Dalton well at all. Bora also struggled once again, despite his sail change. I wouldn’t be altogether surprised if the soft fiberglas rods in the KAs allow a bit more rounding, and deeper angles on the sub 6 knot, non-foiling runs. In development of our sail, we focused 100% on breeze that was just enough to foil, and above. For 99.9% of the racing worldwide, I still feel this is the way to go forward into the future.
Race 3 showed medium light breeze, with everyone foiling nearly the whole race. As soon as the guys get on the foils, it’s dramatic. This is the mode where our Raptor sails take off and start performing properly. Dalton scores an easy 4th in the 3 lap race.
Race 4 gives the first race in the regatta with proper wind. Now it’s game on. Dalton looks very quick and easy in the boat, taking up another 4th, despite being caught out of phase a few times.
Conclusions: The sails are working really super well as soon as the guys are fully foiling. In the super light low riding mode, the best sail might be something ultra-light with lots of profile, and perhaps as few as 4 soft battens.
With 4 down, there’s still 70% more racing to come before someone is crowned the 2010 Champ. It sure would be nice if we had enough breeze to make this a foiling contest.
If they would wait a little longer till when the breeze fills in a little it would be a ton better. I promise I am a raptor sailor.
There is no doubt our Raptors are better but they are making us race in the shittiest of moth sailing conditions that i have ever been in.
a little sea madness from the Dubai pressure cooker… Sailing is complex and psychological affair. Regardless of what sail he uses, we would love to see the big, hairy, speed-machine get his mojo back.
You got to face up to the fact that 80+Kg will never stack up against the 68kg that Si Payne weighs in these light conditions. I sail with Si and Mike Lennon all the time and they will get up in the air before anyone else. But then Bora will muller them in heavy airs. Every dog has his day.