CF Spars

WTC Resolution

• That the WTC support design and trials by the Designer of carbon fibre spars for the Tasars dinghy
• That subject to a successful trial, further approvals be sought at the next WTC meeting for their introduction, not before the next world championship to be held in Australia in early 2015.

History
In February 2011 this year, a workshop was conducted in Melbourne, Australia to consider development and timing of initiatives in the Tasar class Including and especially the possibility of replacing the current alloy spars with carbon fibre spars. This prospect has been canvassed before, but not in any strategic way. Attendees at the seminar included the Designer, the Victorian state agent, the WTC Executive Secretary and the ATC executive officers. Notes from the meeting are attached as appendix A.

Parameters
The parameters set and agreed were as follows:Two piece mast

• CF spars must be robust and long life
• CF spars must be free from electrolysis issues
• Performance must be at least equal to or better than the present mast
• The spars must suit the existing Mylar sails
• Simplify the mast rotation
• No diamonds
• Cost to be less than alloy spars

Process
Since Melbourne seminar, the process adopted has been to firstly introduce the concept to the Australian district executives via the quarterly ATC members meetings, dissemination of the proposal to members of the districts with requests for feedback and views and finally, direct advice posted on the Australian website forum.

In accordance with the process agreed in February, the ATC sought formal approval from it's districts at the June 2011 meeting, which unanimously approved this resolution to be put to the WTC at the UK meeting in September 2011.

Arguments 'for and against'
In communicating with the Australian Tasar community, the arguments for and against the proposal were widely circulated and can be found in the ATC website.
( http://www.tasar.com.au/index.php?option=com_kunena&Itemid=29&func=view&catid=1&id=7355 )

Summary
In summary, the ATC is seeking the support of the other Tasar Regions for the resolution above, on the basis of a desire to support on going, strategic evolution of a successful Tasar dinghy class.

Michael Paynter
ATC President