Gaastra Vapor 2010 – Race sail

Gaastra announces their new Vapor racing sail for 2010. Dan Kaseler, Gaastra saildesigner, has created some new features like the “Inset Clew”.  A new low aspect-ratio outline and fuller profiles maximize low-end performance and collaborate with the Inset Clew to make early planing a certainty without any sacrifice to top- end speed. The 2010 Vapor features an improved finer entry and narrower head for certain control at top speed. Shape is more stable than ever as this model boasts a wider luff panel and a 5th camber (in sizes 6.7-12.0) to push shape control even higher. And a new neoprene boom opening fairing prevents the sock from filling with water and optimizes aerodynamics. A wider sock makes rigging and rotating easier than ever before.

THE INSET CLEW

The Inset Clew shortens the boom, provides effortless acceleration, and higher performance in disturbed wind and choppy conditions and provides automatic depower control in puffs, by allowing the battens to twist open behind the boom. Normally, in a gust the center of effort moves backward and the draft increases making the sail feel backhanded, and unwieldy. This invention stabilizes the draft depth and holds the center of effort forward keeping the power in your hands where it belongs.

As sails generate lift, high pressure air from the windward side of the sail tends to move towards the lower pressure air on the leeward side as it clears the trailing edge. Because of this, air at the head of the sail tends to go from the windward side to the leeward side over the top of the sail creating a tip vortex. This vortex creates drag that slows the sail down. Competing brands achieve inward clew position by cutting away the leech and foot of the sail beneath the boom creating another wingtip vortex. We’ve designed the Inset Clew without cutting away any more than is necessary to fit the boom. The wind exits the trailing edge cleanly and no additional tip vortex forms.

Unlike competitors, our Inset Clew repositions the boom and center of effort without compromising the outline. This allows the battens above and below the boom to react to the automatic depower this feature provides. Keeping the area beneath the back of the boom prevents us from needing to put that area somewhere else. Furthermore, this helps maintain a low and easily controlled center of effort. A protective silica bead around the inside of the opening and a maintenance free mini-batten beneath it guarantee smooth shape and infinite longevity.

The 2010 Vapor is available in a standard monofilm model as well as a high performance PWA registered Technora Laminate model. Technora® is a para-aramid fiber characterized by relatively rigid polymer chains of relatively low molecular weight linked by strong hydrogen bonds that transfer mechanical stress. With a strength ratio 3 times stronger than monofilm, Technora® sailcloth enables Gaastra to reduce weight aloft, while radically increasing stretch resistance. Lighter than monofilm, and lower stretch!

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
• Unique Inset clew- shortens boom length while keeping the sail outline efficient and aerodynamic
• Wider luff panel for easier rigging and better shaping characteristics
• Wide sock technology
• Easy rigging snap on style
• New view windows tough luff socks for improved visibility
• Locked in cam shape for top end control
• Drop tack design for “closing the gap”
• Triangulated load bearing panel layout gives the most strength to weight ratio

SIZES

 

Text: © Gaastra International

Gaastra Vapor 2010 – Race sail, 9.4 out of 10 based on 10 ratings