VIM is the ultimate yacht club junior program, regatta support, or utility boat – in excellent turnkey condition. She has long supported the Ida Lewis YC junior program and New York YC at Newport, Americas Cup events in New Zealand and Europe, and many major regattas
Read More:
https://www.sail1design.com/marketplace/browse/power-boats/inflatable-coach/arc-22-atlantic-rigid-corp-60-000-00-used-l362.html
“The class of champions”
In the past one hundred years, the Star has established itself at the forefront of the international sailing community. The first one-design class and core Olympic racing yacht since 1932, the Star attracts sailors of varying ages and skill levels from all over the world. With nearly 2,000 boats competing annually and over 170 active fleets world-wide, the development of the class is not likely to slow down in the foreseeable future.
Designed in 1911 by naval architect Francis Sweisguth, the Star was born to replace the 17-foot “Bug,” which was one of the most popular keelboats at the time. By May 1911, the first Star class regatta was held on Long Island Sound and featured five of Sweisguth’s new boats. By 1922, the Stars already numbered in the hundreds, thus leading to the foundation of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association (ISCYRA).
A beautiful and elegant yacht to behold, the Star features a simple rig and tall, flexible spar. The massive sail area combined with a sleek, narrow hull allows the boat to accelerate rapidly in nearly all breeze conditions. Redesigned in 1930, the yacht now features an aerodynamically efficient sail plan with a high-aspect ratio and virtually unlimited tuning ability.
Just under twenty-three feet in length, the hull is long and narrow and features an integrated bulb keel positioned just aft of the mast. In adherence to strict class rules, the Star weighs 1,479 pounds and is typically constructed of fiberglass. Older wooden hulls can still be found from time to time, but rarely in competition. The hull has gentle, sweeping chines leading toward the water line that not only provide a speed advantage, but attribute to the yacht’s aesthetically pleasing appearance.
During the yacht’s one hundred year history, new features have been incorporated into the design in an effort to maintain the class’ position as the pinnacle of the international racing community. The class association began asserting a control over new refinements, not to stifle progress, but to maintain a level of competition based more on the skill of the sailor than the technological advancements of the yacht. Some of the features include:
One of the interesting features of the Star is the hiking vest. The vest is worn by the crew and allows him or her to adopt a unique hiking position by “drooping” their body over the side of the hull. In addition to the vest, the Star also features a circular vang system. Designed for the star, but eventually adopted other classes, the circular vang system provides a safe means to deal with the enormous loads of the yacht’s large sail plan.
Numerous champions of the sailing world spent time sailing the Star and hold prestigious international titles. A Star Class World Championship is often considered on the most coveting trophies in all of sailing. Despite the high level of competition at top tier events, the Star also offers opportunities to local and amateur sailors. The depth of skill level and opportunity is unrivaled by any other racing class. Sailors looking to compete at the local level can often gain experience with the boat and progress up through the levels of competition, not to mention enjoy the thrill of sailing such an incredible boat.
Get involved with the Star Class! If you want to begin racing there are plenty of Stars out there looking for a good home. Thanks to the regulation in design features, many older Stars perform just as well as their newer counterparts and run at affordable prices. If you are a former college sailor or young professional looking to stay active at the highest level of competition or looking for a fast boat to sail at the local level perhaps a Star should be your next boat…
Sadly, in 2011, it was decided that the keelboats would be removed as an Olympic class following the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Recently rumors began to circulate of comeback for the 2016 Games; however these were quashed almost immediately by the ISCYRA. Despite being struck from the Olympic books the Star class has showed no signs of losing momentum. Huge turnouts for Barcardi Race Week and the 2012 Star Winter Series appear to have breathed new life into the yacht. With hundreds of local regattas scheduled this year and dozens at the internationals and championship level, the Star class remains strong
LOA: 22.7”
Beam: 5.7’
Draft: 3.3’
Sail Area: 285 sq. ft.
Crew: 2
# Boats Built: 8,400
Active Fleets: MD, FL, CA, NY, CT, MA, RI, VA
Website: http://www.starclass.org/index.shtml
Recently I came upon this letter from Bruce Kirby, discussing his plans for a new sailboat, the Kirby Torch. To understate substantially, and to make what must be a very long story short, problems exist(ed) between the designer (Bruce Kirby) and the builder and owner of the name “Laser”, LaserPerformance. It is now to the point where there will be another boat built, that is exactly like a “Laser”, but will be called the “Kirby Torch.” Maybe things will work out fine, and eventually Lasers will sail next to, and with, Kirby Torches without trouble. But why does this have to happen?
Since the Laser is such an important class in one-design sailing from youth training to the Olympics to adult club racing, it is in the best interests of the parties involved to settle this in an adult, professional, and simple manner. This is not Apple vs. Samsung; this is embarrassing.
Sailing (with the possible exception of the grand prix and America’s Cup level) simply isn’t big enough for overstuffed egos, lawsuits, and enduring bad blood, especially when we are talking about a boat whose partial mission is to train youth sailors. This is not a good role model image to set for kids, who will ask whether they should sail a torch or a laser, and then ask why they need to ask that question. What’s the answer? “Well, it’s complicated… you see… there are lawsuits…”
Even the Laser class, as large as it is, will find difficulty navigating through this. There are really great alternatives out there (Byte, etc). In fact, it is a great testament to the people of the Laser class that they have kept this boat relevant, as old and as inefficient as it is by today’s design standards. The sailors are by far the most important ingredient, they keep the boat’s magic alive, and really are the lifeblood of this organization. Let’s let them sail the boat.
Regardless of who is “right” in the legal battles and lawsuits, I would venture to guess that neither party will win in the court of public opinion by splitting the world’s most popular Olympic one-design class. Bruce Kirby designed one of the iconic one-design sailboats of all time, and has every right to be compensated if that is what the signed documents say. LaserPerformance works hard to produce quality boats for youth sailors and more, and supports youth, high school, and college sailing, sailings pipeline heartbeat. Who’s right? Who cares. Pay bills, work together, and let kids and senior citizens, and everyone else in between, get back on the water in their Laser.
Enough already.
From Bruce Kirby: IT’S THE BOAT THAT MATTERS, NOT THE NAME
In an attempt to rescue the Laser Class from its downhill course of the past few years I have reluctantly decided that a name change, or re-branding is necessary. During the past three or four years dealers have had difficulty getting timely delivery of boats, and in particular, of parts. We have had calls and e-mails from various parts of the world asking if there is anything that can be done to save the Laser. To give some idea how critical the situation with Lasers has become (as of mid-April, 2013) there is a boat shop in Toronto which has 52 American-built Lasers that have been brought in for repairs of various kinds.
Laser Performance in both Europe and North America own the name LASER and the sunburst symbol on the sail, but they don’t own the boat. Because I am owed quite a bit of money by these firms in unpaid design royalties it has been possible for me to terminate their building rights at both factories.
What the Laser sailing public must try to get their heads around is that it is not the name of the boat that matters, It is the boat itself – that 13’ 10” bit of fiberglass and aluminum that provides us with untold pleasure. I love the name Laser. I was there in the beginning when then builder Ian Bruce came up with it. I have lived with it and revered it for more than 40 years…but I know that if the boat is to be saved it must have a new name.
Laser Performance were terminated as builders last year, but the lawsuit was filed this year because production of the Laser unlawfully continued after termination. The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) in lock step with the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) participated in this unlawful manufacture by refusing to stop issuing Laser Performance the stick-on ISAF plaques that are attached to the inside of the aft face of the cockpit, identifying the boat as an authorized Kirby Sailboat permitted to be used in Laser class and ISAF sanctioned events.
I have tried to work with ILCA and ISAF on rebranding the boat, but they refused and demanded instead that I get a Court Order. So they are named in the lawsuit. After filing of the lawsuit, ISAF initially asked ILCA to stop issuing ISAF plaques to Laser Performance, but I don’t yet know if ILCA complied. In a new twist, ISAF and ILCA now seem prepared to issue a new version of the plaque to Laser Performance which removes my name from my own design. This is not only against the Laser Construction Manual which ISAF and ILCA claim to hold Builders to, thereby insuring a true one-design class, but also reveals their true strategy to steal my design. The irony in all of this is that by continuing to provide plaques to Laser Performance against my wishes and our contracts, both ISAF and ILCA continue to collect money from Laser Performance for every boat made even while I am not being paid the design royalty.
In any event, all builders of the Laser have been terminated and the Kirby Sailboat will only be lawfully built under the Kirby Torch brand. This does not violate any prior agreement I have with ISAF and ILCA since they explicitly only relate to manufacture of the Kirby Sailboat under the Laser brand. ILCA and ISAF have trumped up a “breach” in order to push through the “Fundamental Rule” change designed to excuse nonpayment of my royalty by Laser Performance. Their actions make their intentions clear: Steal the Kirby Sailboat from its designer.
New builders with stellar sailing and boat building credentials have signed agreements to follow the Construction Manual so that new Kirby Torches will be exactly like old Lasers, and both boats will be able to compete side by side under the rules of the Kirby Torch class. We have asked ILCA to set up the Kirby Torch class, but they continue to ignore us and the Torch even though there are no longer any licensed builders for the Laser. Go figure?!
So if you agree that what we are doing is in the best interests of the boat, please urge ILCA and your district Laser class organizations to cooperate with us for the sake of sailors throughout the world.
This is y
our boat. It’s my baby, but it’s your boat. With a simple change of the name we can offer a better quality product, consistent delivery and the steady supply of parts. The Kirby Torch Builders and Class Association will serve sailors—that is our promise to you and the reason I am taking on this fight. The fight is about pulling the boat out of the swamp it has been dragged into and handing it back to the sailors cleaned up and ready to move ahead for another 50 years. I have been disappointed with the treatment handed to me by those who should be firmly on the side of the sailors, and so at the age of 84 I am throwing all my energy into meetings, phone calls and e-mails to save the little boat.
Please join me in this endeavor and support the Torch. I can no longer race with you, but I can cheer you on.
Bruce Kirby
Rowayton, Ct. U.S.A.
April 24, 2013
Read Many more blog entries here:
World Cup Supply is proud to showcase its popular sublimated sailing pinnies. Worn by elite high school, collegiate and yacht club race and team programs, World Cup Supply pinnies are an excellent way to increase visibility, show coordination while being safe and comfortable. You can visit our Pinnie Design Guide and learn more at www.worldcupsupply.com or call 800-555-0593.
TELL THEM SAIL1DESIGN SENT YOU!
More about WCS:
Founded in 1991, World Cup Supply is a respected supplier of sporting event supplies. Located in Fairlee, Vermont the company has earned a reputation as an industry leader by providing the highest quality and innovative products!
S1D Brokerage & Marketplace Spotlight:
Yale University has re-offered two fleets of 6 FJ Sailboats. These boats were thought to be sold, but since the deal fell through, they are now available at a very reasonable price.
The first fleet consists of six 1999 & 2003 Vanguard FJ’s and are $3000 each. Click HERE to see the listing.
The next fleet consists of 6 2010 LaserPerformance FJ’s @ $3500 each. Click HERE to see the listing.
This is a rare opportunity to jump-start your sailing program with well cared-for boats.
NESSA Makes Big Changes to Team Racing Qualification System to Allow for More Sailing
By Airwaves Writer Maggie Lumkes
New England is testing out a new qualification system for High School Team Race Nationals this spring. NESSA has changed their qualification format a few times over the past decade in an effort to best serve its large constituency. The road to qualifying for nationals has always been tough and hard fought for kids from New England. That fact will not change, since there are only 2 berths allocated to NESSA teams for Team Racing Nationals. In New England, only making it to the qualifier is a challenge for most teams.
This fall, at the annual meeting, a proposal was made to do away with the Wild Card Weekend system, and only have the top 8 ranked teams compete for the Mark Trophy (New England Team Race Qualifier). Wild Card Weekend was considered to be the “last chance” regatta for teams to fill the last 4 berths for the Mark Trophy. This was voted down largely because people want more teams racing in high level races at the end of the season, not less. In addition, the Wild Card Weekend was a little “too wild” as one coach put it.
As a result, at that meeting, no decision was made to change the qualification system except to remove the highly controversial “Mallory Protection Clause.” The clause granted a berth to the New England Team Race Qualifier, to a team who qualified for the Fleet Race Nationals, the Mallory Trophy.
The idea behind the Mallory Protection Clause was originally to avoid forcing teams to choose between sailing Mallory Finals (fleet racing) or sail in the Baker Qualifier (team racing). In reality, some of the teams who qualified for Mallory did not have the depth in their team to be a true contender for team racing. As a result, they did poorly at the Team Race Qualifier, and bounced out other teams who may have had better success. The real reason for making a change this year is that since only 8 teams compete for the Mark Trophy at the New England TR Qualifier, the season is over for 90% of NESSA teams in mid May.
This spring, a meeting occurred with a few coaches from teams who are all over the map in terms of competitive ranking. It was decided that NESSA would adopt a new system for this season. At the end of the day, only 2 teams get to attend the Baker, but the big question was “how do we get more teams to sail at a high level at the end of the season?”
The proposed answer came from long-time Tabor Academy Waterfront Director and Head Coach Rob Hurd. In order to understand this system you first must know that NESSA has its own complicated ranking system for each eligible team in the district. The rankings are calculated by a computer formula and by a group of people called the Selection Committee. In this system the top 20 ranked teams will be able to sail in a championship level regatta, and that is certainly better than 8.
“Proposal: (Prep School Hockey Model): Replace the present Team Racing Format with the following:
Schools are ranked first through last using the following system. Rankings are posted on the NESSA standings site.
Computer Ranking: 50% of a school’s overall ranking will be tabulated by a computer program, plan L, tabulating points based upon three criteria.
i. One-third of the points are based upon winning percentage against NESSA schools
ii. One-third of the points are based upon winning percentage against this seasons “top 20” NESSA schools.
iii. One-third of the points are based upon a “strength of schedule” formula that takes into account your opponent’s record.
Selection Committee Rankings: 50% of a school’s overall ranking will be tabulated by the combined rankings of the Selection Committee, which is appointed by the NESSA president. Members of the selection committee will rank all the schools that properly register from first to last. If there is a tie in rankings, then the selection committee ranking will break the tie.
Schools ranked one through eight (1-8) receive automatic bids into the NESSA Open Team Racing Championship.
The next six (6) ranked public schools would receive bids to the NESSA Public Team Racing Championship and the next six (6) ranked independent schools would receive bids to the NESSA Independent Team Racing Championship
– The top two teams at the Open Championship would advance to represent NESSA at the ISSA Team Racing Championship (Baker Trophy).
– The school ranked third at the Open Championship would advance to represent NESSA at the National Invitation Tournament [formally the ACCs] (Founders Trophy)
– The school that wins the Public School Championship would advance to represent NESSA at the National Invitation Tournament [formally the ACCs] (Founders Trophy)
– The school that wins the Independent School Championship would advance to represent NESSA at the Atlantic Coast Challenge (Founders Trophy)”
After the season, I will report back on how the system worked, and again after the annual meeting in the fall to see what changes or improvements will be made.
To follow the action this spring you can check out the following links:
