.....is not really a new class. Its roots go back some 50 years to the Australian NS14 development class that has become one of the most influential in recent times. The NS14 is a simple 2-sail but highly elegant concept with hulls and rig evolving over decades of competition. Icon builds on this heritage of continuous development but steps beyond the rule set to suit to produce a 2 sail one-design for the 21st century.
The NS model is limited to a 4.30m hull and generally uses an elliptical wing mast rig. The controls are simple and all features are functional with little compromise towards styling. However the bias to ‘function’ over ‘form’ has nevertheless produced a very attractive boat, simple to sail, fast and suitable for the great majority of crews and locations.
A development Icon is shown for the first time at the 2010 Dinghy Show. Cirrus Raceboats is now testing the boat with a new ‘square top’ rig and will be tooling for production within 3 months. A few key changes are planned when in production.
Centerboard v Dagger
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The NS is a no compromise development design and features a deep set of ‘dagger’ foils. They are exceptionally efficient but we are assessing a switch to centreboard. This is because of the great many estuary and inland locations in use here in the UK and Europe – we are aiming to improve the practicality for the sort of locations where many of you sail. A Merlin Rocket inspired centreboard may be featured. The hull will still however be NS compliant.
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Rig modifications
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We have modified and enlarged the rig to allow a wider weight range to race competitively as we are not limited to the NS rules – and the UK/Europe also has many sub F3 days !
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Wing Mast.... It is complex we are told ..... so why retain it ?
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Because they are exceptionally efficient. Today they are so simple to use, fully adjustable and allow easy upwind planing in suitable conditions. You just have to try Icon or similarly equipped craft in any breeze to understand and we expect many of you to try Icon in the coming months .....
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Does it go in light winds as well ?
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Yes - the hull form is very easily driven and Icon is a potent performer in light winds. The NS heritage has produced boats that today are highly capable in all wind conditions.
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No spinnaker ?
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he market is positively flooded with some great modern asymmetric designs with little need for more in our opinion! However these do not always suit typical locations and owner preferences. Cirrus thought enough of you also wanted to consider other options – such as a thoroughly modern and thoroughbred 2-sail racer. We also think that you do not want to compromise on enjoyment and for most that means providing sparkling performance coupled to exceptional handling.. You will also be as fast or faster than many comparable 3 sail designs with Icon ....
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How heavy is Icon ?
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The target hull weight is 60kg – production will be in either vinylester or epoxy foam sandwich. This produces a light but still very practical boat.
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What is the sail area ?
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Current development rigs are around 11.5m However with Icon the elliptical over-rotating mast also forms an active part of the rig, it contributes to lift – so effective area is just over 12m Over-rotating rigs produce much less drag and a corresponding increase in ‘lift’ – many studies suggest a 25-30% improvement..... and without proportionally increasing the physical demands on the crew.
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icon - It is all about efficiency over complexity
Cirrus has set about developing the very best 2-sail one-design possible. The ideal place to start in our opinion was with a proven NS14 shape – we were betting that 50 years of constant development and proving really had produced something rather special. Now we are convinced.
When will production boats be available ?
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Tooling development will commence in April at the end of the testing phase and first hulls are planned for summer 2010 onwards. Manufacture / marketing will be based initially in the UK.
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So come on then .... how much will Icon cost ?
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This depends on the final specification and selected supplier – of course. If you commit to the first batch to be produced in summer of 2010, and pay a £ 350 deposit Icon will not cost you more than £ 5,750 plus sails. Sails, by either Hyde or North, will also be offered for just £ 500 per set during this introductory phase. In addition covers and trolley prices will also be attractively discounted for early adopters.
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We are already convinced and will go for it – what do we do next ?
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Contact us now and you will be eligible for the launch pricing on payment of the deposit and in approximately 4-5 months you could be sailing an Icon. You can also join the Icon support group and influence the final specification.
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We like the idea – but would like to see one sail and possibly try ourselves first
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Get in touch and talk to the ‘Icon Supporters Group’ behind the project – details soon via www.cirrusrace.com This is made up of a number of enthusiasts who spontaneously formed a group of ‘the interested’ within days of the first announcement in February 2010. They are working with Cirrus Raceboats to refine the Icon package and ensure it really is fit for purpose and highly cost-effective. Talk with us about fleet discounts for 3 or more hulls in 2010 as well.
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Icon Provisional Specification
- 4.30 metres – NS14 inspired composite sandwich construction
- Mast – Over-rotating 6.0m elliptical wing mast – 6.6kg
- Boom – 2.20m x 76mm carbon tube
- Sail area – 9.5m + 3.0m – total 11.5m (plus mast)
- Foils – epoxy composite centreboard / rudder
- Hull weight target – 60kg
- PN predicted – 1025-1030
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