Elvström Sobstad, including large ‘cut out’ sections to the headsails. Elvström Sobstad UK’s Kevin Sproul produced a larger headsail on the Swan 45 which could be sheeted fully without fouling the spreader, but remaining within the class rules (maximum mid-girth measurement of 3.08m). After consultation with the Elvström design and engineering department in Denmark, the design was drawn to cleverly move the leechline round the spreaders. By effectively ‘cutting out’ room for the spreader, the two medium headsails on WISC gained six per cent extra sail area for medium winds from seven-16 knots.
Glyn Williams, owner of WISC, found “upwind performance across a range of light to medium wind speeds allowed us to sail higher and faster than the rest of the fleet. We also found we had improved acceleration off the line and through the tacks.” WISC scored five 1st place finishes and three 2nd places to secure the overall Swan 45 class win at Cowes Week. WISC also won IRC class 2, the Nautor Swan trophy for Best Overall Performance. and the Swan 45 Northern European Championship.
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