Asymmetric Mirror

Hi
I can launch, gybe & recover my kite single-handed with ease (show off!) That's because I got so fed up faffing with the spinnaker I've set my boat up to fly a gennaker! To see how, look at my pics at:
www.geocities.com/yacrwbrm/Asymmetricmirror
I'd be really interested in your comments (as long as I don't get a lecture on class rules & suchlike...I sail for FUN!)
Regards
Karl

Some people find the class rules fun...<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

This is an interest modification, one that is probably a step too far for most. As you say you don't wish to race or worry about class rules then enjoy your 'mirror' and if it works for you, then fine. But if anyone asks you, it is not class legal and cannot be raced in this guise.

It is possible to make the conventional spinnaker easily usable for single handed sailing though and quite manageable.

Enjoy

Certainly an interesting concept and shows how easy it is to personalise and modify a Mirror

Ease of use is one of the key reasons why most of the new designs of dinghy and cruising yachts have an asymmetric spinnaker. The key disadvantage for slow boats which don't generate sufficient apparent wind is they cannot sail directly downwind so don't benefit in the way a high performance skiff does. Mirrors can sail dead down wind, for this reason they often beat allegedly faster boats on the water like the Feva, who have to gybe down wind.

As Trello says, with the right setup sailing a Mirror single handed with a standard spinnaker shouldn't be too difficult

MCA Secretary

Nice bit of custom rigging! There's so much more to the Mirror than just (!) racing..... Now you need to persuade a friend to photograph you in action. Otherwise we'll all have to keep our eyes peeled (and cameras at the ready) around Windermere. What class of boat did you "borrow" the gennaker from? Do you haul the top just up the mast as with a normal mirror kite, or right up the gaff?

pigs might.....

I like it! Similar to what we did to a GP14 (it became a GP17) last week... yes, what was the gennaker off? And how long is the pole?

64799 "Dolphin"

Double trapeze and hydrofoils anyone?

I still fancy the full galleon rig, myself. Who was it mentioned a while back the Mirror re-enactment of Trafalgar? I'd love to see some photos of it!
Thinking of Hannah's GP17, any suggestions for a nifty new name for an Asymmetric Mirror? Seems a bit of a contradiction in terms really, unless it's one of those fairground distorting mirrors.

pigs might.....

Re the asymmetric:
I'm really sorry but I can't remember which class the gennaker came from maybe an RS vareo or a Topper vibe? In any case it's a bit big so it's 'reefed' with a few big knots at the head (doesn't help the shape of the luff!)
It was only an experiment to see if it could work (would the mast unstep? spit break, capsise...?) Now I know how easy it is I'll be on the look out for a better fitting sail.
Yes, it hauls to the usual crane atop the mast (not up the gaff!)
I'll measure the pole length (largest dowel thickness from B&Q...the well-known chandlery)and let you know. Hope to get chance to sail again later this summer.
Karl

Rob one off an RS feva!

"I still fancy the full galleon rig, myself. Who was it mentioned a while back the Mirror re-enactment of Trafalgar? I'd love to see some photos of it!"

He he, that sounds fantastic. My favourite article in Mirror Mania was the fully rigged Mirror - I've finally got enough spare gear to have a go at that myself. Fair weather required of course!!

Cheers
Luke

"My favourite article in Mirror Mania was the fully rigged Mirror "

Haven't actually seen a copy yet. Tell us more!

pigs might.....

There is a photo of a "Galleon " rigged mirror in mirror mania, you must try and have a look at a copy. Well out of date but an enjoyable read .

A SEAMANLIKE RIG - FOR A MIRROR? by Sally Karslake (former Class Secretary - 1976. See pp 50-52 of Mirror Mania.

The boat was (is?) M6123 and was owned by Theo Harris (founder member of the Irish Mirror Class Assoc) and rigged with main, mizzen, forestaysail, foresail and flying jib plus Dun Laoghaire YC burgee flown from the mizzen head. Beyond this one outing we know little more.

Wouldn't it be great if Sally, Theo and Norman (Long) - former Charman of IMCA - or anyone else who knew the boat could add to the yarn this thread is creating. I hope they are still with us after 31 years.

As flying pig says: "there's so much more to Mirrors than just racing". I recollect a few years ago a Mirror rig being used to build a landyacht at Hill Head SC using small bicycle wheels and an old launching trolley. The spirit of Barry Bucknell lives on and the eccentricity of (some)Mirror owners stands proud. Is this why the dinghy lives on in the nation's imagination and will outlast all its rotomoulded, asymmetric rivals.

We have the best of both worlds: the go-fast racing machines of the ambitious juniors (long may they lead us to Olympic medals) AND the endless idioyncracies and charms of the original homemade dinghies (some of which still live on in the families who built them 2 generations ago). Who will forget the Triumph Herald rigged with Mirror sails for Top Gear's last series.

Enough of this blathering. Read Mirror Mania and re-connect with the past but, be aware, the future is with the way your Class Assoc is taking you. Even a grp hull can be turned into a spanish galleon or an asymmetric extravaganza.





Edited by - john mcnulty on 24 May 2007 20:42:59

Hi
For those intereted my bowsprit is 3.5cm dia & 153 cm long.
(I was surprised to find such a substantial, straight & straight-grained piece of 'dowel' in B&Q's mouldings display!)
I did some experimental geometry on the back of an envelope & decided this should give enough forwards projection, enough left on deck to secure it & when retracted not too long aft to foul the kicking strap. Come to think of it 153cm really is the maximum possible length
Karl