landyacht said...

The important equalizers. in the promos are the wheels, and the simplified sail designs. these are yachts WE can build.

Good idea Barry!

I figured that was the case Paul, therefore if I was the Grand Poo-Bah of Fisly I would have made the Promo class a yacht that satisfies all existing class 5 specs, with the exception of Dacron 5 batten sails and the 8" wheels. That would have meant it was easier to switch between class 5 and Promo with the one unit and still achieve most, if not all, of what was intended. (oh yeah, it would also make my PM eligible )

Given that there's a set minimum weight and wheel base I can't see how chassis design could give you that much of an advantage. That said please let me know if I'm wrong.

(BTW I find this level headed discussion or even debate, very interesting and great for my learning, keep it up!! )

bazl said <It will be interesting to compare the Promo to the Class 5 in international competition, bearing in mind the short time that has been available for the development thats been done. By comparison I mean that presumably the same course will be used, so lap and/or overall race time can be scrutinized. We shall see what transpires..>

This is exactly what will happen next month in the World Championships. Promos and class 5 will race together at the same time on the same course. They will be scored seperately. We will be able to see then just what yachts places where. At last count though the class 5s were sorely out numbered.

Promo Girl

Promo girl said...


This is exactly what will happen next month in the World Championships. Promos and class 5 will race together at the same time on the same course. They will be scored seperately. We will be able to see then just what yachts places where. At last count though the class 5s were sorely out numbered.

Wouldn't it be funny if any of the Promos outperform the class 5

the stiffness of the chassis,stiffness of the mast,balance point of the rig and pilots weight, right types f tyres for the surface ON THE DAY,.
Top yachts and sails wouldnt last more than 1 season, and youd probably get a new yacht built if you qualify for the French team

So is all of that not allowed on a Promo?

mast position unmovable,mast angle unadjustable, seat less like an Aerodynamic wing that can be sailed in its own right, having 0nly 5 battens and six pulleys restricts your ability to build a really high aspect sail that wont spill all its power. I think that all dacron sails will have excelent longivity. The sail used by Travis Bartlett last year to come second at the SA open was made in 1991!