Mark Mansfield of Quantum Sails Ireland goes through the major changes that will affect IRC racing boats in 2024. This comes after the recent IRC Conference when many of these changes were voted through.

The 2022 IRC conference decided on two major changes that would not come into effect till the 2024 season, and further details of these were provided recently. In reality, apart from some other small changes, these two major changes are what will mainly affect most owners in 2024.

Change #1- Jib numbers

Like what happened with Spinnakers a few years ago, there is now a rating advantage/disadvantage depending on the number of Jibs that are carried. With spinnakers in the past, it was approx. 1 point per extra spinnaker carried over a base number of 3.

In recent times, you also got a 1 point approx Improvement per spinnaker if you carried less than three spinnakers. For bigger boats, it might have even been 2 points per spinnaker.

Now, a similar change is happening for Jibs for the 2024 season. The examples below were provided by the IRC to indicate how this change would affect various designs. However, it did not give us a base IRC figure for each design before the new Jib limitations were added. It would appear that for, say, a 30-foot boat, if you carried 3 jibs then there would be no change, if a 40-foot boat, it may be 4 jibs with no change and if a 50-footer, it may be 5 jibs.

This is in addition to a storm Jib and what is referred to as an OSR Heavy weather jib (normally about a J3.5 size with some extra attachment specs).

Staysails, Blast reachers etc, would likely all be counted as one of these Jib numbers.

So how will this affect most boats?

• For boats that carry a J1, J2 and J3 normally, there will be little difference if you carry all 3 sails.
• If, however, you mainly just do one-off day races, then you could go down to 2 jibs on your cert and select them each morning of a race depending on the weather.
• If you were a boat that only carried, say, a J1.5 and a J3, then you could look at going for just one jib on your cert for day races.
• Likewise, if you have an overlapping setup and normally just have a G1 and a J3, you could look at just taking one sail on a day race.
• If you were an offshore-orientated boat, with 3 jibs, a spinnaker staysail and a Blast reacher—then expect a rating increase if all are carried.

Remembering of course, if you race in a series on consecutive days, then you cannot change sails from day to day.

Last year IRC allowed boats to now have 2 certs each year and nominate which cert is used. Up till now, these double cert options were generally only being used by boats which race inshore as well as offshore, so maybe more Spinnakers needed offshore when a different range of condition might be encountered and then another cert with fewer spinnakers inshore. Now, with the jib limitation rules, expect the number of boats which have two certs to rise considerably. Even for inshore-based boats, they might go for a cert with just 2 jibs and one spinnaker for lighter winds and then have a second cert with 3 jibs and 3 spinnakers for heavier or mixed wind conditions. It could be that on a 40-footer there might be a difference of 4 points between each cert, and that is approx. 15 seconds per hour—not insignificant.

Chart showing number of headsails onboard/ratings for different yacht designs Courtesy RORC

Change #2 - For Endorsed events, sail measurement stamps are required. 

(This change was agreed upon in 2022 but only to commence in the 2024 season.)

All sails certified from 1/1/2024 shall have a UMS/IRC sail stamp or other certification note. So, new sails need a stamp from next January as may larger sails—based on the NOR.

Sails measured before 1/1/2024 will not now also need to be measured with a measurement stamp/sticker on the sails unless the NOR of an event requires it. So, say, the 2024 ICRA Nationals or 2024 IRC Europeans in Dun Laoghaire decide to have this, then maybe the largest Jib or spinnaker may need a measurement sticker, depending on what the NOR says.

One other change that has come out of the 2023 IRC conference is that page 2 of the IRC cert will now be available for all boats so that sails carried etc, can be inspected. No details yet of that Weblink.

Quantum Sails Ireland has a wealth of knowledge and experience dealing with rating optimisations, so please feel free to Contact Mark or Yannick with any queries on sails or ratings

For further info on the 2024 rule changes here

Quantum Ireland is very happy to discuss individual requirements with owners.

We offer a full-service loft at Oranmore in County Galway to look after all our new and existing clients.

Please contact us for advice and quotes

Mark Mansfield: [email protected] Tel 087 2506838
Yannick Lemonnier: [email protected] Tel: 087 628 9854

Two of the most important classes in the world today are the TP 52 Class and the Cape 31 class. It is in these top-level classes that sailmakers try to show that their product is as fast or faster than their opposition.

A great result this weekend for Tony Dickins' Cape 31, Jubilee, at the Cape 31 UK Nationals, where he won overall, including four individual race wins in the seven-race series.

Jubilee was sporting a full Quantum inventory of Fusion M7 membrane upwind sails and Quantum Spinnakers.

At the 52 Super Series regatta last weekend, two of the top three at the regatta at Scarlino in Italy were using Quantum sails.

Quantum Racing, the 2022 world Champion and 2022 super series Champion, finished in second place at Scarlino, with Veya, also using Quantum sails, in third place.

Quantum Racing sporting Fusion M7 Membrane sails and spinnakers

Join the ever-increasing number of race boats that are now switching to Quantum Sails in Ireland by contacting Mark Mansfield from Quantum Sails Ireland for a quote or some advice.

CONTACT DETAILS
Mark Mansfield: [email protected] Tel 087 2506838
Yannick Lemonnier: [email protected] Tel: 087 628 9854

Following a very successful winter selling season for Quantum Sails Ireland, sail trials are taking place throughout the country as sails are delivered to customers for the coming season.

See photos below and above of new sails for a J/111 based in Howth.

With an approximate eight-week delivery period, any clients wishing to upgrade their sail inventory for the Sovereigns Cup in Kinsale in June and Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta in July would need to move quickly.

New A2 spinnaker in Contender Superkote 75 for new J/111 in Howth

Quantum Have been making great strides in Ireland in the last three years and now has a chunk of the market with boats such as Samaton (Grand Soleil 44), Ghostraider (J/111), Jelly Baby (J/122 ex Kaya), Aja (Cape 31), Rockabill (JPK 10.80), Anchor Challenge (quarter ton), Miss Whiplash (half tonner), Artful Dodger, Indian, Something Else and Tighey Boy (J109s) among those now taking sails from Quantum.

TP 52 Quantum Sails—winner of both the 52 Super Series and TP 52 Worlds in 2022

If you need new sails, let us give you a quote and maybe surprise you with our quality and competitive pricing. We have options from club racing and cruising sails to top-of-the-range Grand Prix level sails, such as was used on the winning TP 52 at last season’s 52 Super series.

For further information and quotes, contact: 

Mark Mansfield: [email protected] Tel 087 2506838
Yannick Lemonnier: [email protected] Tel: 087 628 9854

Mark Mansfield of Quantum Sails Ireland with five things you should consider to get you ready for the new racing season.

1. Clear out the boat

It may seem straightforward, but you would be surprised by how many boats leave all their damp sails, cushions, lifejackets etc., on the boat over the winter and then are surprised to find mould and other nasty bits on all their gear in the spring. Get the sails indoors into a dry environment, and open the sail bags to let everything dry out. Wash the Jib zippers before they get salted and cannot be reopened.

2. Mouse out halyards

Modern ropes do not like to be outdoors for any longer than needed. UV damage dramatically reduces their strength and longevity. Buy a cheap roll of twine and mouse out the halyards and any other ropes that can be removed, such as mainsheets, tack lines etc. Wash in fresh warm water, dry thoroughly, and put away in a dry environment.

3. Get a good bottom finish for 2023

Trying to race competitively is an expensive enough business. Sail costs, new rigging costs, etc., all add up. The cheapest way to improve your performance is to put an excellent plan together to get a great finish to your antifoul for the season. Mostly it is just graft in sanding back the old paint to a good smooth finish—lots of hours are involved in doing this. Then make sure new antifouling is applied with great care, with the best finish being achieved. Spraying would be best, but not always possible. A really good short pile roller is the next best. It is essential that whatever way you apply it, it is then sanded down to get it smooth. Expect about a third of the antifouling to come off with the sanding.

4. Remeasure sails for IRC

In the new year, most owners will renew their IRC certificates. Most sails will shrink as they get older. Have your sails remeasured by your sailmaker if they have a suitable size loft before renewing the cert. There is a good chance a few points can be shaved off the handicap by this simple and inexpensive task.

Sail being remeasured in the Quantum sail loft in Galway

5. Have your sails checked over

Get your sailmaker to lay out your sails in their loft, if they have the space, and get them checked over. Often there are minor repairs that are needed that could lead to more significant problems later. In particular, if you have a code 0, clean out the furler and top swivel in a large bucket of warm water to get the salt out of the system. If possible, a code 0 should also be opened with at least the leech area washed/wiped down to remove salt and other muck that has been attached. This will improve the furling performance substantially.

Code 0 furlers need to be serviced

Now is also a good time to get a quote for some new sail you have been considering. Quantum sails Ireland would be delighted to quote.

Outside of the America's Cup, there are few, if any, more important classes than the TP 52 class. It is where the naval architects and sailmakers put their best feet forward to show off their designs and abilities.

Samatom, Grand Soleil 44. With her Quantum Fusion M7 Main and staysail set Photo: Afloat

For the 2022 season, the 52 Super series covered five big regattas in the Mediterranean, including the TP 52 World Championship In Cascais.

The final 52 Super series event in 2022 has just finished in Barcelona with a win in that Regatta for Quantum Racing owned by Doug de Voss from the USA. This result concludes the 2022 52 Super Series, with Quantum racing winning overall, having won four of the five regattas in 2022, including the World Championship.

A J109 winning with Quantum Fusion sails

Mark Mansfield, Quantum sails agent for Ireland, congratulates the Quantum Racing team. Mark outlines—“it shows at the top level, Quantum has a top class product with its Fusion M Membrane sails which can compete in any stage with other sailmakers”.

Mark continues, “already in Ireland, many of the top racing boats are switching all of their sail inventories or some of their sails to Quantum, with good results.

If you are considering new sails for the 2023 season, you should consider Quantum for a quote. Quantum also provide a very good and extensive range of cruising sails and is very competitive in price.

A quote can be arranged from Mark Mansfield or Yannick Lemonnier at  [email protected] Tel 087 2506838 or Yannick Lemonnier: [email protected] Tel: 087 628 9854

Time is running out to snag Quantum Sails Ireland's best prices of the year on custom racing and cruising sails — our summer sale comes to a close at the end of the month!

As you're planning for your next adventure or the next racing season, don't wait to get the conversation started with one of our experts.

Whatever it takes, we’re here to help.

For quotes or other information, contact

Mark Mansfield: [email protected] Tel 087 2506838 or Yannick Lemonnier: [email protected] Tel: 087 628 9854

Now is the time to purchase your new sails for Autumn and for next season.

Mark Mansfield, Quantum agent in Ireland, explains—"At this time of the year, the production facilities are at their quietest, so they can arrange discounts to increase production levels, which we can, in turn, pass on to our clients".

Pricing will only get higher in the months ahead with weekly price increases coming in from Sailcloth manufacturers, transport companies and others”, Mansfield says.

Quantum Sails, TP 52—Winner of TP52 Worlds 2022

Availing of the discounts now and the lower base pricing makes a lot of sense, whether you are getting ready for a heavy 2023 regatta programme or some extensive cruising.

2022 has been a very good year for Quantum Ireland. Apart from numerous cruising boats that have opted for the quality and value of our sails, we also have had considerable numbers of top race boats in Ireland choosing Quantum to fulfil some or all of their performance sail requirements. Top race boats have gone to Quantum this year, such as Samatom—Grand Soleil 44, Aja—Cape 31(full suit), Something else-J/109, Indian- J 109, Artful Dodger- J 109, Jelly Baby- J122, Miss Whiplash—Half tonner, Ghost Raider—half tonner, Rockabill 1V—JPK 10.80, Hot Cookie- Sunfast 3600, and others.

AJA- Cape 31 from Howth, with a full suit of Quantum sails, finishing on the Cork week podium in her first regatta—M7 Fusion Main and superkote spinnaker Photo: Afloat

There is a reason these top race boats are choosing Quantum-- Quality, top design, personal service and competitive pricing. Don’t get left behind. Look for a quote now while our seasonal discounts are available.

For quotes or other information, contact Mark Mansfield-Quantum sails Ireland,

Mark Mansfield: [email protected] Tel 087 2506838 or Yannick Lemonnier: [email protected] Tel: 087 628 9854

With Spring nearly upon us, many owners are planning for the season, sorting the bits needing to be sorted, winding up the crew, and planning the events that they will be doing.

2022 will be a big year with both the Round Ireland Race and the Cork Week Tricentenary Regatta being the likely two highlights.

However, Wave Regatta in early June, Bangor Town Regatta in later June, Calves week in August are also all big events.

So why should you buy some new sails and order them now?

Here are five great reasons to order your Quantum race and cruising sails soon.

1. We are coming close to the busiest time of the year for the production of sails, and delivery times, normally 8 weeks extends to 10/12 weeks in April and May. Now is the time to order to guarantee your sails for the start of the season.

2. Join the sailmaker that is expanding its business hugely, with new Quantum race sails ordered for a new Cape 31, a J122e, Two J 109’s, A Sunfast 3600, a J122, a Grand Soleil 44 (Samatom), a Grand Soleil 37, a top Half Tonner and many others. Join the new wave in Ireland - Quantum Sails.

3. Pricing levels on sails are increasing monthly, as are pricing levels on other products that rely on Delivery chains and high tech materials. Guarantee your Pricing by ordering now.

In the Galway Quantum Loft a J122 Fusion M7 J1 Headsail is inspected before heading off to the new owner of the J/122 Kaya in Cork

4. Utilise the expertise of Olympian Mark Mansfield for setting up your rig and sails, and also top offshore sailor, Yannick Lemonnier, for assistance with your cruising and offshore racing inventories.

5. Quantum Sails Ireland have a full-size Loft in Galway to provide service, adjustments, sail measuring and other requirements that might be needed, for boats up to 50-foot. See if other sailmakers in Ireland can provide this. Many can't.

Join the new Wave—Get a quote from Quantum Sails Ireland. Contact details below.

Mark Mansfield from Quantum Sails Ireland gives some suggestions for improving both racing and cruising sails that are no longer performing as well as expected. With a full-size loft in Galway, we have the space and the expertise to achieve these improvements.

SAIL PERFORMANCE IS SHAPE-DEPENDENT

Sail shape and minimizing stretch are two key variables in delivering optimum upwind performance and reducing heel and weather helm. Shape and stretch also extend a sail's wind range before a sail change is required or reefing or furling become necessary. They also have a significant impact on the functionality of sail handling systems.

Dacron® sails - even those made with the highest quality sailcloth - are most vulnerable to stretch. Membrane sails are more stretch resistant, which improves long-term shape retention. In both cases, however, shape changes will occur over time, affecting sail performance.

The condition of the sailcloth is key; it must not be too worn and stretchy, or the adjustments will not produce the desired results. With good fabric, reshaping can generally be done once or twice during the life of the sail.

Quantum's Precision Recuts give new life to an older cruising or racing sail by restoring the sail up to about 90% of its original shape. Reshaping techniques can be applied to both Dacron® and membrane sails to yield a sail that will allow you to point higher, sail faster, and is easier to trim.

With Quantum's Precision Recuts, club and weekend racers can enjoy the same performance benefits and competitive advantage of top teams like Quantum Racing. Sailmakers work behind the scenes for top-level race programs that continuously tweak and recut sails to maximize boat speed and sail performance while working within sail limitations. 

Following are three of the most common ways to help increase performance and enjoyment for racing and cruising sails.

BROAD SEAM RESHAPE

PROBLEM: DEEP DRAFT. FULL SAIL. CAN'T POINT VERY HIGH

The sail depth becomes fuller and more rounded. The draft moves aft. You're no longer able to point as high as when the sail was new. The boat becomes harder to steer, heels more and responsiveness is slowed. For racing boats, the inability to hold a lane or position close to other boats can really destroy a tactical game plan.

SOLUTION: SEAM RESHAPE

Seams are reshaped and extra fabric is removed. This procedure flattens the sail and helps return the draft to its original and optimal location. Generally, three to five seams are remade to achieve desired shape.

RESULT: FASTER SAIL. POINTS HIGHER!

With the flatter sail you can now point higher than before! Your sail is flatter, faster and more efficient. Your boat sails more upright and is far more responsive.

LUFF CURVE RESHAPE

PROBLEM: REDUCED ENTRY. SAIL IS HARD TO STEER

As sails age, their entry is reduced due to a variety of factors. Stretch, as well as over-tensioning the halyard can reduce entry. Reduced entry will make the sail harder to trim, less efficient and make steering more difficult (and less fun!)

SOLUTION: LUFF CURVE CHANGE
Luff curve can be restored to help return the sail to its original entry shape. Sometimes a luff curve change is made to remove entry and flatten the sail.

RESULT: FASTER, EASIER TO STEER SAILS.

Returning entry gives you a bigger range to steer inside of that is still ultra-fast. Steering will be easier and you'll be able to go faster.

LEECH TAKEUP

PROBLEM: LEECH FALLS AWAY. SAIL ISN'T DELIVERING POWER

On cruising Dacron® mainsails and genoas, the leech can stretch and fall away, making the sail more difficult to trim and reducing boat speed. This is especially prevalent on larger cruising mainsails and mainsails with large roaches. Leech stretch can also hamper the use of furling systems.

SOLUTION: LEECH TAKEUP

By removing extra fabric at a seam or elsewhere on the sail, the leech can be shortened and straightened to its original dimensions and shape.

RESULT: SMOOTH LEECH WITH PROPER POWER AND EXIT. MORE POWERFUL SAIL.

By bringing the leech back to its in-line design shape, the sail is once a gain a proper foil and will deliver efficient power.

NEW SAIL PERFORMANCE AT A FRACTION OF THE COST

Older sails in good condition can be reshaped to return the sail to peak performance at a cost far less than the price of a new sail. Generally speaking, a recut will cost less than 20% of the cost of a new sail. Speak with your local Quantum sail consultant for more detailed pricing.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SAIL IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR RESHAPING?
If you are experiencing any of the problems noted above, contact Quantum Sails and we will happily perform a sail shape analysis and provide you with the results and an estimate at no charge.
The analysis requires an on-the-boat photo of the flying sail. You can do this yourself following the tips below. Submit the image to a Quantum sail consultant and ask for a sail shape analysis. We'll digitize the image, measure the shape, determine which techniques are required to address problem areas and provide you with a detailed recut solution that's perfect for you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sometimes a new sail is not the answer. A Precision Recut can help you extend the lifespan of your sail and maximize the return on your investment. Our knowledgeable sail consultants and service technicians are available to help you find the best solution for your boat. Contact Mark Mansfield or Yannick Lemonnier at Quantum sails Ireland for advice.

WE HAVE BEEN USING QUANTUM SAILS SERVICE FOR MANY YEARS TO MAKE SURE OUR FLEET IS MAINTAINED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD. OVER THE YEARS, THEY HAVE PERFORMED PRECISION RECUTS ON ALL OF THE IN-MAST FURLING MAINSAILS IN THE FLEET. THE SAILS ARE EASIER TO FURL AND OUR CUSTOMERS ARE PLEASED WITH THE INCREASED PERFORMANCE. WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS THAT WE CONSISTENTLY RECEIVE FROM QUANTUM.
—Erin Houpt, Dream Yacht Charter

QUANTUM SAILS HAS BEEN WORKING WITH MY TEAM AND MY SAILING INVENTORY FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. THROUGH ACCESS TO THEIR TOP DESIGNERS AND SAILMAKERS, WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUALLY ADJUST AND REFINE SAIL SHAPE THROUGH RECUTS TO KEEP MY SAILS AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. I CERTAINLY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS SUCCESSFUL ON THE RACE COURSE IF NOT FOR THEIR COMMITMENT AND EXPERTISE.
—Dan Cheresh, C&C 30 Extreme 2

TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS OF YOUR SAIL FOR RECUT ASSESSMENT

1. The sail must be full, on a close-hauled course, trimmed correctly.
2. Photos should be taken from the mid-foot of the sail with the lens aimed at the head if the sail.
3. Rotate the camera to capture the full length of the lowest draft stripe.
4. Take a variety of photos from his location, as well as photos of any specific problem area of the sail.
5. Where practical, take a few photos from the stern of the yacht, with the lens pointed forward toward the bow, and up toward the head of each sail.
6. It is very important to note the conditions when the photographs were taken: time, date, wind speed, point of sail, halyard and sheet tensions, control line settings, backstay pressure, sea state - anything and everything related to the sailing conditions at the time of photography.
7. We recommend keeping a digital photograph library of your sails across their lifespan. This data will help you become more adept at understanding sail shape, and will assist your sailmaker in their evaluation and recommendation for recut.

NEW SAIL

It's a good practice to photograph your sails when they are new. In a few years, the photos will serve as a valuable reference when evaluating sail shape for a recut. This is a new Melges 32 sail. The same process and procedures for recuts apply to both racing and cruising sails.

AFTER RECUT

This photo of the same Melges 32 sail was taken a year later following a recut. This image illustrates the output of the sail scan process, which digitizes the sail shape and provides measurement data for the recut. From this "after" image, the designer can evaluate the effect of the recut and verify results.

PHOTO QUESTIONS?

Call Quantum Sails Ireland below for more information.

In the past, PR and advertising might lead you to think that there was only one sailmaker to go to if you want to do well in cruiser racing and big boat one-design fleets. However, the results worldwide, particularly in the last season, are showing that is not the case, according to Quantum Sails Ireland's Mark Mansfield.

The majority of the top big boat one-design and near one-design fleets (like the TP 52) now have Quantum winners and podium results in their big events, such as world championships. Take the recently concluded RC 44 Class series. The final event, just finished last weekend in Lanzarote was won by Team Aleph racing. The overall ranking through the whole season has Team Aqua winning with Team Aleph racing in third. The World Championship was won by Team Aqua. Both Boats used all Quantum sails.

Team Aqua and Team Aleph

And if you think this was a one-off, consider the following results in likely most of the major big boat one-design and near one-design classes.

• Maxi — Mini Maxi World Champion 2021-Cannonball—All Quantum Sails
• TP 52 Class — 2nd and 3rd (Platoon and Quantum racing) in the TP 52 Series overall—All Quantum Sails
• RC 44 Class — 1st and 3rd in RC 44 season series overall (Team Aqua and Team Aleph), and 1st in World Championships 2021—All Quantum Sails
• Club swan 50 —1st overall at Swan 50 Worlds—Hatari
• Club Swan 36 — 1st overall at Swan 36 worlds.—G Spot. Quantum jib only. All other sails by another sailmaker.
• Melges 32 —1st, 2nd and 3rd at World Championships 2021

Hatari —Club Swan 50

There is a new wave and it is called Quantum Sails.

Watch out for the Green Q badge on big boats in Ireland in 2022. There will be quite a few. And if that is not a good enough reason to consider getting a sail quote for your cruiser, then also consider the following,

• Check the pricing, and see the difference for a similar product
• Quantum has a full-size loft in Galway for servicing and modifications/ alterations where sails on yachts up to 45 feet can be fully laid out.

Ask for a quotation today for your racing or cruising sails, and get some good advice along with it. Contact Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or at 087 250 6838. 

Correction (25/11/21): This article was updated to correctly state the sail wardrobe on the Swan 36 Worlds winner, G-Spot was by another sailmaker except for one Quantum jib.