As of March 2008, there are now three 'versions' of the Blaze.

The first thing to be aware of is that the hull shape remains unchanged since the inception of the Blaze, as does the rigging, apart from the boom and sail.  The version 1 (v1)  sailplan is easily converted to the v2 sailplan (most have now done this) so all versions of the Blaze are similarly competitive.

Blaze V1 

The first version of the Blaze had a 10.2 sq metre fully battened sail.  The main problem with this sail was that in medium and high winds, after a tack or gybe, the power would come on so quickly that it could easily result in a capsize.

In order to make the boat easier to handle, the Class Association brought in some changes in March 2001.

The changes made to the sail and boom were:

• lowered the boom on the mast, with increased rake upwards towards the stern
• use of carbon boom
• redesigned sail - 10  sq metres with full battens at the top of the sail only

The change to partially battened sail means that the power can be spilled from the sail when required, making the boat less challenging in medium to strong winds.

Some changes were also made to the top deck moulding and racks.  The stern post was increased in size to allow improve access to the pintel bolts and the design of the racks was changed slightly - with the outer tubes made of carbon.

Blaze V2 

This second version of the Blaze was marketed as the 'Blaze X', but is now referred to as the v2

Blaze V3

The v3 Blaze is made its first appearance at the London Dinghy Show on the 2nd March 2008.  It is the result of a detailed re-engineering of the boats deck tooling and a switch from polyester to epoxy. The builders Cirrus/Rondar say the boat will now be much easier to build down to target weight on a volume basis. The deck tooling needed to be replaced anyway and with 10 years experience the Class Association suggested a number of detail changes to layout and fittings. The Blaze v3 will also have an all Harken fit out, carbon boom and carbon wing outers.

New Sail Material 

Class sail maker North have switched sail material for 2008 with Class Association input and this has greatly improved all around visibility. Early users have commented how this has improved their tactical appreciation and find it difficult to switch back to 'regular' sails!

Shortage of Used Boats

At the launch, the builders have nine pre-launch orders for the new boat from a mix of class regulars and newcomers and expects more when the boat is first shown. The class has for some time experienced a desperate shortage of used boats and it is hoped that new boat orders start releasing more good pre-used boats.

Blaze Class is Growing

Having averaged 48 boats at the past four Nationals the class is poised to break into the '50+ club' in 2008.  The Class Association are delighted with the developments.   The Blaze is a fantastic boat and a very high proportion of those who try it end up as converts!  It is relatively easy to sail but with sparkling performance especially when it blows when the wings greatly increase the effectiveness of hiking.

Is your Blaze "under used"?

The Association encourage anyone with an 'under used' Blaze to advertise it here on the website.