ROOSTER 8.1 ON LOAN

Steve Cockerill of ROOSTER SAILING, in conjunction with MORTON BOATS have made available to us a Rooster 8.1 rig .

I took delivery of it this week. The Rooster 8.1 is a new class of boat developed last year by Steve, It is a new larger rig that is compatible with the Laser hull. It is particularly suitable for anyone over 90kg. The handicap it races off is 1051. The rig comes with either a complete aluminium lower mast section that fits your existing upper section, or a reinforced glass extender piece that fits into your existing standard rig lower mast section.

The main body of the sail is made from 4oz Dacron cloth and the leech is constructed of Mylar resulting in virtually no leech stretch. Reports from people that have tried this bigger rig suggest that it is a real blast in medium to strong winds. Note that this is a completely separate class of boat to the normal Laser and the rig could not be used for Laser class racing.

I tried it out this week in a F3 and the power generated was quite exhilarating. Lasers with Noble insurance are covered to sail with this rig on the same insurance and, as such, comply with NCSC club rules. Owners with other insurance companies must check that they are covered.

Our thanks go to Peter of Morton Boats for sourcing this opportunity for us. Rigs currently cost £350 and are available through Morton Boats.

Anyone wishing to try out the rig should contact me Tim Cripps