Updated Blaze launched
01/03/2008The new updated Blaze was shown for the first time on 2nd March 2008 at Alexandra Palace.
The updated Blaze 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 exhibited boat 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 CA input and this has greatly improved all round 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
The builders already 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. Class secretary, Paul Taylor, is delighted with progress and comments ‘The Blaze is a fantastic boat and a very high proportion of those who try it end up as converts, its relatively easy to sail but with sparkling performance especially when it blows when the wings greatly increase the effectiveness of hiking’
Advertise at the Show
The association will be encouraging anyone with an ‘under used’ Blaze to advertise with them at the show and a list of pre-used boats will available. A series of ‘Try-a-Blaze’ days are also planned.