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Probably the FASTEST 2 sail Production Hiker ... just about anywhere !

ICON DATA SHEET- for download click here

Icon is very new... but not really a totally 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 rigs 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 current century.

Way back in the 1970’s the NS class also led to the very successful Tasar development from Bethwaite. Icon is simpler, lighter and faster than the Tasar and we will argue that it is easier to sail well with its centreboard and modern ‘fixed’ lightweight slimline all carbon rig.

The NS class is limited to a 4.30m hull and generally they use an elliptical wing mast rig. The controls are simple and all features are highly functional with little compromise towards styling. However the bias to ‘function’ over ‘form’ has nevertheless produced a very attractive boat, simple to sail, surprisingly fast and suitable for the great majority of crews and locations.

Cirrus has taken these basic NS concepts but enlarged and redrawn the hull lines to produce a boat with additional volume on a longer waterline (14’8” – 4.45m). Nearer to the UK the Icon specification also draws on the Merlin-Rocket and National 12.   A centreboard replaces the ultra-long dagger and a completely new highly efficient slim-line 50mm carbon mast based rig has also been added.

Centreboard v Dagger

The NS is a no compromise development design and features a deep set of ‘dagger’ foils. They are exceptionally efficient but Icon features a more conventional centreboard.   A great many estuary and inland locations in wide use in the UK and beyond make the centreboard choice a natural one.

Efficient Rig

The Icon rig is very different to the ‘wing’ mast approach favoured by the NS14 class. It consists of an advanced 50mm diameter and ultra lightweight carbon ‘stick’ mast specially developed for Icon with a 76mm diameter carbon boom.  The mast is finished in white epoxy - for low maintenance and 'cool' running.

It supports a highly refined 13.60m sailplan that is easily handled by a wide range of crew weights; it can ‘blade off’ relatively early if required allowing Icon to be driven hard upwind in higher winds yet still retains plenty of sail area for off-wind speed. Coupled to the exceptionally easily driven hull form it allows Icon to outperform many comparable 3 sail classes simply and without complication or fuss.

We suspect Icon flies in any breeze but does it go as well in light winds ?

Yes - The easly driven Icon hull form maintains Icons capability in light wind conditions.  Modern development class trends, in all the previously mentioned classes have produced designs that are highly capable in all wind conditions.

No spinnaker ?

The market is positively flooded with some great modern asymmetric designs with little need for more in our opinion ! However these 3-sail designs these do not always suit typical locations or owner needs and preferences.   But we also knew that there is plenty of potential Icon racers out there who do value purist design and control simplicity .... provided the performance is really there as well.   Icon, minimalist to some eyes, is optimised for 2-sail racing - up and down wind.   It is very light, highly efficient and a joy to sail with sparkling handling.

Icon carries a moderately large sailplan on a matched set of carbon spars. The idea is that it can be easily depowered as required upwind by ‘blading off’ the top of the main.   Offwind the light weight and sail area, enhanced by the 'dangle pole' jib option where fitted makes the boat highy potent.  In lighter conditions it can soak away dead down wind but it has the capability and speed to efficiently 'dog-leg' when it offers racing advantage.

You really will be as fast or faster than many comparable 3 sail designs with Icon...

How heavy is Icon ?

The ALL-UP sailing weight is approximately 87kg.  The form of consruction is relatively unusual with 'box' type gunwhale joins contributing to the robustness and stiffness of the hull.  Coupled to a lightweight, low drag rig the boat is refined and highly capable.

What is the sail area?

A very efficient 13.60m - with significant jib area keeping the overall centre of effort low. It is easily goose-winged with a conventional jib stick and has an optional 2.0m 'dangle pole' of the type pioneered by the National 12 class.

Icon is all about efficiency over complexity

Cirrus has set about developing the very best modern 2-sail one-design class possible. The ideal place to start in our opinion was always with proven NS14 / Merlin shapes – we were betting that 50+ years of constant development really had produced something rather special.

When will production boats be available?

From Autumn / Winter 2011.

Pre-production hulls were tested through the Spring and Summer of 2011 following nearly 18 months of system and concept testing on imported NS hulls. Manufacture / marketing will initially be based in the UK but the concept and design is being made available to additional manufacturers / suppliers elsewhere.

So come on then... how much will Icon cost?

The ICON launch offer is exceptional but is of limited duration.  It features Icon, set of Hyde sails, top cover and launching trolley for only  £ 7,995.

BOOK YOUR TRIAL SAIL NOW !!  contact Cirrus on 01189 744203 or email Cirrus  - blaze720@btinternet.com

We are already convinced and will go for it – what do we do next to become an 'Icon Pioneer' ?

Contact us soon and check whether you are still be eligible for the launch offer pricing on payment of a £ 500 deposit.  Asfter order acceptance you will then be allocated a build slot and in approximately 2 months or less you could be sailing Icon.

We like the idea – but would like to see one sail and possibly try ourselves first

Our philosophy is simple – as a small builder in a competitive market our boats have to be excellent. No hype, no exaggerated claims, no hard-sell, just a high quality specification, fantastic handling and reasonable pricing.

If you still need convincing all you have to do is ask to come along to a demonstration day or ask about a trial sail.  If there are several of you interested we will even try to  come to your club - subject of course to the exisiting demonstration progamme.  ‘Pioneer’ new fleet discounts are available as well.

Icon Class Association

iCA is currently being formed under the guidance of keen pioneer helm, Toby Peacock.  A constitution and set of rules is available in draft form very soon.  iCA will later affiliate to the RYA in the same manner as existing classes. 

Icon Provisional Specification