The Rigs

Last update, February 27, 2010

You have built the platform for the rig. If the completed hull is faired and in the mid range of 23 pounds at full ballast, less the rig and battery, and with a reasonable trim angle, you have done well. If you have provided a control system of servos and lines that are low in friction and dependable when sealed in the hole for hours, you have provided a confident mental link to the boat through a remote control device. Now you will build and connect the engine that will drive this yacht. The roar of the exhaust will echo only in your mind.

There were some builders that considered the rig to be the next innovation for the EC12 restricted design class. Indeed, as you travel around from regatta to regatta, the rig is where you find the individuality of the owner. There is no one system of controls, attachment mounts, booms, adjusters or deck hardware to stand the rig. It is almost mind boggling the proliferation of ideas. The time has come to present two specific rigs, as options in equipment and thoughts in design and tuning.

The Classic Rig (single spreader rig): This  is the timeless favorite for years. It is simple, light and can be aerodynamically clean. This rig was developed during the mid 90's from accumulated ideas and controlled testing using the Goldspar teardrop shaped aluminum mast. It was during this time and reported in the EC12 Manual bench marks for aerodynamics and rig weight were established. Over the last decade this rig has continued to be a top performer on the EC12. Some of the properties of sail design was based on this rig and almost exclusively used today.

 

The Vector Rig (dual spreader rig): Introduced in 2007, this design provides different thoughts in rig control designs and tuning. School is still out on this design but it is liked well here in just a few events where it was used to present it on the website. The drive toward development was in tuning the mast to the sails independent to luff allowances and backstay tensions and thereby broadening the tuning control of a sail plan.

 However, bear in mind, the quest of competitive captains is a light and aerodynamically clean rig. Yes, you will see heavier gear, as the specialty of a rig for heavier weather and you will also see that those who have better extension of energy when sailed with thoughtfulness and smoothly. Handling the helm will put you at the head of the fleet faster than the brute power of your sail plan.

It will then not be surprising that a complete rig, pre-tuned for the water and put away in storage will take a week of days or more to complete. The rig is the environment for the sails. This engine is to run and produce power in all conditions of wind, breezes and air, gale to nil. It is a long process. Do not let your attention fade.