Re Last Tango - End Game

I have advised the class that global new-boat demand has declined to near zero. I have expressed my concern re the consequences, and have proposed class revival through a Tasar II which would be developed, trialed,
evaluated and if accepted managed within the class. You will all have read or taken part in the ensuing discussion.

My preferred course of action would be to request that the class vote in a formal manner to approve such a trial.

The Exec Sec advises that there is no mechanism within the constitution for such a vote to be called for in a formal manner. Further, there is also no simple way to conduct an informal vote of all our members worldwide. This is hardly surprising. I helped write the constitution shortly before Performance (Montreal) discontinued Tasar production because they were “only building 400 per year.” At that stage we did not think to cater for the effects of obsolescence twenty five years in the future.

In the circumstances I have suggested and it has been agreed that a straw vote of those registered on the chat page, or who read his message here, be accepted as the best way to gauge the class’ wishes in 2002. If we proceed in this way a “yes” vote will start a three-stage process, all under the control of the class, and the critical stage three will be formal within the constitution.

· Stage 1 would be the construction and development of a prototype Tasar II. I would expect to work with and report to a Support Syndicate of say seven to ten interested volunteers from worldwide whom I hope would have the blessing of the class, and who would keep the class advised of progress.

· Stage 2 would be the formal evaluation by the support Syndicate on behalf of the class, after I deem development to be complete.

Stage 3 would proceed only if the evaluation is satisfactory. (remember that the spinnaker trial was not satisfactory, and went no further)

· Stage 3 would be a formal proposal by the Support Syndicate to the World Council that the class manage the Tasar II.

My present ideas re the notional Tasar II are: -.

Hull
· The glass/carbon/epoxy hull would be from the existing hull and deck moulds.

· The centrecase envelope would be different. (The present centreboards are 25mm thick and the less expensive 29er/59er alloy centreboards are 32mm thick.)

· The thwart would be stronger, have smoother edges, and no traveller track.

· The centreboard and rudder blade would be alloy, and the rudder stock cast alloy.

Dynamics. The Tasar II would differ from the classic Tasar in three primary
respects:-
· The rig response would be more automatic in stronger winds.

· The rig size would be such that the peak of induced aerodynamic drag would be displaced from the hump in hydrodynamic drag. This will give a more effortless motion to windward. (I wrote about this in Seahorse and
Australian Sailing, and have incorporated it in the 59er design. The effect is described in the Oct 25th Yachts & Yachting 59er boat test article “The boat gives you speed through the water which is probably faster than you’ve ever sailed, though you don’t think so, as it is almost effortless..”

· A separate light-air sail shape control system would enable the upper mainsail to be flattened and twisted efficiently for extraordinary light air performance.

Weight, Speed and Cost
· The total hull plus rig weight would be 40 to 50lbs lighter.
· It would be a lighter, more responsive, faster boat.
· It would be a simpler boat with less fittings, and it would cost less.

I would like to create such a boat and offer it for trial.

Please vote “Yes” or “No” to the question -

“Do you support the development and evaluation of a trial Tasar II under the
management of a committee supported by and reporting to the class?”.

Please mail your vote to the Exec/Sec at richard@rhspencer.com, who will count all the votes and declare the result on behalf of the class.

I am immensely proud of the Tasar. Its design was years ahead of its time. It has given unique pleasure to a rich and complex global community for nearly thirty yeas. An update, similarly ahead of its time in 2003, would give the class renewed growth and strength, and would prolong the pleasure of and extend the life of the community for a further twenty to thirty years.

Sincerely,
Frank Bethwaite.

Posted 2002-11-28

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