Aug 2011 Newsletter - Design

From the Design Office - Rick Rothenbuhler

Weʼve been plenty busy this summer working on a number of designs across the board. Sails as small as the Optimist, through a full-blown analysis and design of Melges 32 Carbon/Technora sails. Each boat and design has my full attention and Iʼve had a great time working through so many variations and projects.

As you likely have read here, our team of sailmaking experts have been knocking on my door to squeeze more performance out of our existing designs. To accomplish what they desire, I point to a process I put in place that is the basis for our D-CUT program. 

First, we need existing notes and photos. Mostly vertical shots and a review of our designʼs strengths and weaknesses. From there, I model the existing designs against enhancements and run them through the analysis modules in the Azure Project software. Then we test, photograph, recut (if necessary) and test more. The more information I receive through this process, the higher the probability of success at the end. This is true of any design, so if you have a #1 that is starting to show signs of needing replacement, use the time we have left in the summer and photograph the sail vertically. Here you will find an example. The only trick is to try to get as much of the sail into the frame as possible (tilt the camera 45 degrees).

Look for updates to our various designs in our Class News coming out in a few weeks. Feel free to give me a call in the loft to learn more about our designs, approach and how I can help you get more out of your existing sails.

Rick Rothenbuhler

rick@dieballsailing.com

419-726-2933