February 2022 Newsletter

Success for Southeast Sailboats customer Christopher Marsh

Over the weekend of 5^th – 6^th February, 15 year old Christopher Marsh won a well-deserved first place over two-time Thai Olympian Kamolwan Chanyin at the Thailand ILCA 6 National Championships held at Royal Varuna Yacht Club.

Christopher has a very busy year ahead.  Christopher is a member of the 2021-22 RYA Laser Radial Youth Performance team and will train with the team over half term break at Weymouth before travelling onto Abu Dhabi for the 2022 Asian Sailing Championships where he will compete for the first time in the ILCA 7.

Then in April it is back to the UK for the Youth Nationals followed in July by back-to-back ILCA 6 events, Youth Europeans in Thessalonica, Greece, Youth Worlds in Hague, Netherlands, UK Nationals at Hayling Island, and then the Youth Worlds in Texas, USA.  August will see Christopher back to training including two weeks in Gran Canaria sailing with Tamas Eszes, Sailing Academy. In September Christopher moves to UK for his A levels and to attend Royal Hospital School where he has secured a sailing scholarship.

Congratulations on a great win in Thailand and we wish Christopher all the best for 2022!

Tillers – Optimised tillers for ILCA and Laser dinghies

Tiller selection used to be fairly simple.  Read on to find out why it maybe isn’t as simple as it used to be!

Manufactured items have tolerances and the ILCA/Laser dinghy is no exception.  Be it mast rake, gudgeon height or other less obvious factors, there are always some variations between boats, and between boats from different manufacturers.

When it comes to tillers these minor variations from boat to boat can be critical.  We want our tiller to be as low as possible so that the traveller block can run over the tiller as easily as possible, but not too low that it rubs on the rear deck or hits the traveller cleat. 

Team GBR sailor and European champion Micky Beckett - “It is advisable to have a clearance margin of at least 8mm between the lower side of the tiller and the traveller cleat. This is because even a tight fitting tiller will bend slightly under the kind of loads experienced on a windy reach, the tiller should never hit the cleat and the tolerance will ensure this won’t happen.”

For feel we want a rock solid fit of the tiller in the stock. The tiller should be stiff so that it doesn’t bend and strong so that it doesn’t break.

“A low tiller will also increase your ‘feel’ or ‘feedback’ from the rudder, as the traveller won’t be adding unnecessary friction as the tiller slides underneath. With a low tiller the blocks will also stay in the corner by the traveller eye in light conditions, which is really critical for lane holding and having an effective high mode.”   Micky Beckett

Olympic Coach/multiple world champion Jon Emmett points out “Also remember in terms of the blocks crossing the boat during light wind tacks this is usually down to good technique, although of course having a really good tiller helps a lot!!!” 

Without wanting to mention the unmentionable, sailors have always thought that PSA boats needed a tiller with a slightly different angle, as tillers for UK Laser Performance boats always seemed to sit a bit high on PSA boats.

With a number of new manufacturers now producing the ILCA dinghy some sailors have found that they seem to be similar to the PSA boats rather than the old Laser Performance boats.  As a result, tiller manufacturers are now making different versions of tillers to suit both ILCA and Laser dinghies, and Southeast Sailboats now stock Element 6’s ultra-low Black Dog tiller and Rooster ILCA tiller, as well as Holt and Rooster tillers for the Laser. 

We did a few measurements and here is why you should maybe consider getting the best tiller for whatever boat you sail. Simplistically, the bottom surface of tillers for the ILCA dinghy should be roughly parallel with the bottom surface of the entry into the stock.  Tillers for the Laser need to be angled upwards slightly. The variations between these tillers is quite substantial, not just at the traveller cleat (between 6-21mm), but also at the point where the traveller crosses the tiller (between 16-27mm).  Here are the detailed results of tillers measured with the lower face of the part of the tiller that sits in the stock pressed onto an absolutely flat surface (datum) to ensure consistency in measurements (NOT measurements on an actual boat).

The new Holt tiller has been designed for the Laser aftermarket rather than the ILCA and sits quite high at the transom meaning that it is tolerant to gudgeon position.  The cutaway over the tiller means that it can sit fractionally lower than a Rooster tiller. 

Rooster’s famous carbon fibre tiller for the Laser is just that – perfect for the Laser.  Rooster have now released a version optimised for the ILCA boats.

The new Element 6 Black Dog tiller has the lowest ‘A’ dimension as it has been optimised to fit PSA and Element 6 boats which would appear to have fractionally higher gudgeons.  The cutaway over the traveller cleat and ILCA optimised angle makes this tiller the lowest of all when measured at the wear plate (point B).  This tiller also works well with an Ovington boat.

Confused? Let’s put it another way.  If you put a Rooster ILCA tiller on an ILCA it would sit 6mm lower where the traveller crosses than a Rooster Laser tiller.  The Black Dog sits even lower, due to the fact that it’s about 3mm lower at the stern, and has the cutaway over the traveller cleat.   So, for an ILCA dinghy it’s really advantageous to use an ILCA optimised tiller.  However, put an ILCA optimised tiller on a Laser Performance boat and it will be too low – it will continually hit your traveller cleat. If you are travelling to an event where you are chartering and not sure what hull you are going to get it may be a good idea to take a couple of different tillers with you.

The importance of getting the right tiller shouldn’t be overlooked in the search for boat-speed, it’s worth the time to get it right.”  Micky Beckett

Get in touch with Southeast Sailboats and we can help you choose the best tiller for you.

Hiking Strap Adjustment System 

We didn't want to release a hiking strap adjustment system until we found a configuration that actually works whilst you are sailing around the course. The criteria was that it could be tightened whilst hiking, and released simply like a rope friction system.  We had looked at various configurations and dismissed them, but now we have a configuration we are happy with!

The system can be rigged with the cleat on the starboard or port sides depending on your preference, but we recommend that the handle is always rigged to starboard so you can easily pull on the handle to tighten the strap as you round the windward mark.  

See us at the RYA Dinghy Show in the UK

Southeast Sailboats ILCA dinghy will be on the UKLA Stand A32 at the RYA Dinghy Show in the UK on the 26/27 February.  If you are visiting the show please come and say hello and see the latest rigging, tillers etc.  I will be at the show all day both days, but If you can’t find me give me a call on 07880 500233.

ILCA 6 sails pre-order

Next deliveries of ILCA6 sails are expected early-March.  We are not taking orders for these until stock is imminent, but if you think you may want a sail for the start of the season please e-mail us at sales@southeastsailboats.co.uk 

We can then add you to the wait list and advise you when we have an absolutely firm date at which point we will open up ordering.   There is no commitment to order – this is just a way of letting you know via e-mail when sails are imminent and to let you have the opportunity to order on a first come first served basis as supplies may be very limited.

Donated sail helps affordable Laser initiative

Towards the end of last year I was asked if I had an old sail hanging around gathering dust that I could donate to a good cause.  Like a lot of sailors I just don’t get around to putting them up for sale, so I was happy to oblige.  I thought nothing of it again until I received this lovely email on Christmas Eve from Matthew Lambert .. “This was a wonderfully kind donation and was won by my daughter, Fleur, at the annual Royal Torbay Yacht Club junior prize giving for winning the junior race season.

As you must be aware a small group of us who have children that are progressing were encouraged to get a cheap laser.  Steve Huish was the mastermind behind the idea and as you can imagine any 14-year-old sailor would be over the moon to get on a laser, especially if it was their own.

Fleur was absolutely amazed that she won the sail and has already put it too good use.  I have attached a photo of a group of them, Fleur has the orange hulled laser.

Fleur is currently an Assistant Instructor at the sailing club and working towards her Dinghy Instructor qualification.  She is itching to get back on the water in her laser and start beating a few more senior sailors.

So once again from Fleur and myself, thanks you so much for the sail and for helping young sailors.”

If you have any old sails hanging around, consider donating them to a worthy cause!

For more about this great initiative there was an article in the RYA magazine that you may want to read.

Southeast Sailboats at International Sailing Academy 

Southeast Sailboats recently spent a week away training in idyllic conditions at the International Sailing Academy in Mexico – I think it was my ninth time there. Despite the fact that it’s 5000 miles from the UK, a direct flight that operates through the winter with TUI from London Gatwick meant that it was an easy trip! Great wind and waves and lots of whales – just amazing!

The International Sailing Academy provides unique and dynamic 6 day coaching clinics by top sailors and coaches in paradise. Imagine being coached by Anne-Marie RIndom, Thomas Saunders, Nick Thompson or Elliot Hanson in champagne conditions for 6 consecutive days. No matter your ability, check out their calendar and reserve your spot today to take your ILCA sailing to the next level - improvement is guaranteed... and it’s a lot of fun too! 

Check out our YouTube channel

Latest videos on our YouTube channel are instructions on how to fit self-bailer springs, the deck block soft shackles and our traveller wear protectors.  Just search for Southeast Sailboats on YouTube, click on the link or scan the QR below.

Traveller Wear Protectors

Our traveller wear protectors are proving very popular with now over 1000 sets sold worldwide!  Available from Southeast Sailboats and from an increasing number of dealers worldwide.

Based on our own design concept these class legal traveller pads have been turned into reality by dinghy fittings company Allen.  The traveller wear protectors are available by themselves or a part of a cost saving wear protection bundle.  The following video explains all....

International Shipments 

Southeast Sailboats delivers all over the world with tax free pricing in multiple currencies.  To date we have delivered to over 40 countries!  For more information on what tax free means click on the link below.  

Typical Delivery Times - Based on recent tracked shipments  (which we can see when they are delivered), below is the latest guidance on postal and UPS delivery times to Europe, and other destinations, in alphabetical order:

Australia - typically 14-21 days

Austria (via UPS) – 2 days, post 12 days

Belgium - typically 7 days

Canada – typically 7-12 days.  UPS 2 days.

France - typically 6 days  

Germany - 6-14 days

Greece – typically 9-11 days

Hungary – 10 days

Ireland (Republic) – typically 3-8 days  6-8

Italy – Post - Please note that this is a very slow service due to customs delays in Spain.  UPS typically 4 days

Japan – typically 7 days

Netherlands - typically 6-14 days

Norway – typically 14 days

Poland – typically 6 days

Portugal – approx. 28 days 

Singapore – typically 7 days

Spain – Please note that this is a very slow service due to customs delays in Spain

Sweden – typically 4--14 days

USA - typically 6-8 days. UPS 2-3 days

For more information on tax free pricing click on the link below.

Southeast Sailboats Away/Closure Dates

Running a one person business isn’t easy!   I am designer, splicer, packer, despatch clerk, web master, book keeper etc. etc.!  Plus I have to try and juggle working with sailing, and other activities.  So occasionally I have to put up the ‘gone sailing' shop closed sign on the homepage banner and top notification line, when I am away for a sailing event or holiday.  Southeast Sailboats will be away for a long weekend at a EuroMasters event from the 17-21 March, and we will be closed during this period.   

As a ‘heads-up’ Southeast Sailboats will be closed when I am competing at the following events in 2022: 

17-22 March - EuroMasters Malta

26-30 April - EuroMasters Spain

20-23 May - EuroMasters Belgium

9-20 June - Masters Worlds Mexico

25 August - 2 September - Masters Europeans Germany

As always, your understanding of the above is really appreciated. 

Popular upgrades

The following continue to be some of our most popular upgrades....

Harken 29mm bolt-on deck blocks.  Easy to fit, these blocks instantly improve your Laser. Available as the blocks by themselves or as an assembly including the block plate.

Our signature 8:1 downhaul/cunningham system.  We have built/shipped hundreds of these systems to sailors all over the world.  An essential upgrade if you are using the MKII standard sail, and also if you are struggling to pull on enough downhaul on your Radial or 4.7 rig.  Each system shipped is custom made using blocks from Harken, Allen and Ronstan, with options including rig type, termination and secondary lines types/colours. 

Transform your kicker/vang system with our range of great free-running block/key assemblies using blocks from Harken, Allen and Ronstan and stronger kicker keys.  Whether you are using a 15:1 or 12:1 setup, lower friction in your system makes it easier to pull on, leaving you with more energy to focus on sailing/hiking!