Carbon’s greater strength allows smaller sections compared with aluminium reducing windage as well as weight. The manufacturing process also allows strength to be added at high-stress areas of the spar.
In salt water conditions, the carbon is more corrosion-resistant than aluminium.
A further advantage comes from sailing in waves. There is significantly less momentum from a lighter rig and this reduces the tendency for the ends of the boat to "dig in" as it crosses waves.
With the right stiffness component, carbon rigs support the sail more efficiently. Sail shape is more easily controlled adding to further improvement in power. Carbon will also bend significantly more than an Alloy spar before breaking.
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| Laser and Aero spars |
The Laser aluminium spar was designed in 1969 as a two part mast for a simple off the beach boat. Two simple aluminium extrusions fit together with plastic sleeving. It is incredibly unsophisticated. The aluminium sections vary, some thinner lighter and more flexible. The stiffer top sections are favoured by top sailors who know to weigh before purchasing them. They last one season and need to be replaced or end to ended.
The RS Aero spar is also in two sections to allow easy transport and storage. The sections fit together perfectly and automatically aligning the track. The mast is tapered reducing windage and weight.
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| Aero fat head rig |
The Aero mast allows the sail to be hoisted on a track. The controlled mast bend and a partially battened fat head sail provides a modern approach the whole rig, which can be powered up and de-powered as required.
Read more at http://www.mysailing.com.au/news/carbon-spars#smMA9CEsk2btMRyG.99
Read more at http://www.mysailing.com.au/news/carbon-spars#smMA9CEsk2btMRyG.99
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