Click here for live weather information on Sail Shapes roof

A furler is the ideal system to set and strike light sails. In a race utilising multiple furlers for various sails, Karver offers the advantage of roller furling without the weight & windage of a conventional roller reefing system. K.F. furlers optimize sail handling with minimal weight aloft.
Karver is an industy leader in this concept offering a complete range of superior products for all sailors.

WHY A FURLER?

Unlike conventional reefing systems that are fixed to the stay and have rigid extrusions, a furler is a light cast off system that allows ease of deploying and striking a sail with the added convenience of lowering the rolled sail for ease of stowage, minimizing weight & windage aloft.
The rolled sail is easily removed from the sail locker, the drum attached to the deck and a halyard attached to the swivel. Hoist the rolled sail and simply unroll it and set the sheets. In addition a single furler may be utilized on numerous sails (gennaker, staysail, stormsail…), improving sail handling and overall safety aboard.

EXCLUSIVE ADVANTAGES OF KARVER FURLERS

• FURLING DRUM: Karver’s furlers have a notched self locking wheel to make the continious line smoothly grip the wheel. The mechanism is made of V-shaped, angle less grooves to avoid the wear on the rope while assuring an optimum movement even when the rope is not under load. This wheel is protected in an elastic plastic spool. This system is safer than any other: after a shock the spool takes it’s shape back and will not restrict the wheel rotation. This feature is exclusive to plastic spooled furlers, a metallic spool would simply distort, deform the furler and dramatically reduce rotation, possibly even jamming.
• UPPER SWIVEL: The loads applied to a furler are particularly high on the swivel. Karver utilizes high resistance stainless steel ball bearings to ensure smooth rotation under the most extreme loads.

ENGAGING THE LOOP LINE (PATENTED)

K.F. furlers have a notch on the spool allowing fitting or removal of the loop line without removing the line cover or removing the furler from the yacht., this has the following advantages

• Eliminates the need to remove the cover & avoids the risk of loosing small parts (screws, pins…),
• Keeps the mechanism closer to the deck by avoiding the necessary displacement required for removeable covers,
• The loop line is simply & quickly engaged or removed from the spool through the notch.
• Increases available luff length by minimizing the height of the spool & tack fitting

Also available are the Karver top down furlers enabling the furling of a full A-symmetric spinnaker. See video by clicking here

Karver KF2 specification: £1038 inc VAT

Karver KF1 LARGE specification: £636 inc VAT

Stepping three new masts this winter in St.Winnow boat yard. Two Albin Ballad rigs and a Contessa 32 rig. Pictures will follow once all rigs are stepped in early December 2011.

Only six months of trading and Sail Shape has steeped four new masts by Selden and Z spar making Sail Shape – A PROVEN FULL RUNNING AND STANDING RIGGING SERVICE!

Picture to follow in JAN 2012

Above: The new heavy SKZ 450 Solent sewing machine at work on a mainsail. The new machine can sew through 10mm of Dacron in triple step. The new machine allows Sail Shape to builds much bigger sails without compromising the quality of sewing. These machines build super yachts sails which proves it strength.

Currently Sail Shape has 4 sailmaking machines and two cover machines.  A Spinnaker light machine which sews triple step and zig zag, Pfaff 138 heavy zig zag, a light Pfaffzig zag and a the new machine was will go up to the thickest 138 thread. On the cover making side we have 2 walking foot Seiko straight stitch machines.

The inventory of Sail Shapes sailmaking and covermaking machines now means it can deal with any repair that comes through the door no matter how big or small.

Video to follow-

6 September 2011

Legendary sailor, Pete Goss MBE has helped re-launch a sail making business in Fowey, which has been taken over by the student of the original owner. Alan Harris-Guerrero (24) served an apprenticeship with Andy Mitchell of Mitchell’s Sails, before travelling to Australia and New Zealand to further his career. Now back in the town where he went to school, Alan has just bought the business and is now employing his former boss! At an official launch ceremony today (Tuesday 6 September) Pete Goss spoke of his enthusiasm supporting new ventures involving young people.

Alan, who last year sailed across the Atlantic twice in a Sadler 25*, has renamed the business Sail Shape Limited offering the designing, making and repairing of sails, covers and awnings. He is also a supplier of running and standing rigging for yachts and a distributor for Hyde Sails. He now employs two people, his former boss Andy Mitchell and apprentice Hans Wehmeyer who also went to Fowey Community College. Alan says though his dream of owning his own company has come true, he’s aware of the challenges ahead:

‘I appreciate that this will be hard work but with Andy’s support and that of my suppliers and customers, who I thank wholeheartedly, I’m sure we can broaden our scope and make a go of the business. My working relationship with Andy is superb and I know that together we can now develop the one design and cruiser sail business particularly. I’m only sorry I couldn’t invite all my customers to the launch, but with that many people I was worried that the loft floor might give way!’

Andy Mitchell, who founded Mitchell Sails in 1983, marked the handover of the business to Alan by presenting him with a palm, a traditional piece of sail making equipment, and said:

‘Alan was a very willing apprentice before heading off to work in Australia and New Zealand, but like a boomerang, he came back and now I wish him all the best as he takes over the business.’

Pete Goss MBE, who in June of this year took part in the GORE-TEX Arctic Challenge taking two 6-metre rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) from Scotland to the Arctic Circle, officially launched the new business, saying:

‘I love new beginnings. I first came across Alan when I read about his extraordinary trip across the Atlantic and always hoped I would meet him one day. When he called me and all this enthusiasm came down the phone, I just knew I had to support this little loft with big ideas. Alan’s challenges when crossing the Atlantic will actually help him face the tasks ahead as he ventures into the world of business and I wish him well.’

Pete then invited the guests to raise their glasses to ‘fair winds for the future and to lofty ideas’.

Please click on the link below for the IRC rules of sailing

IRC Rules 2011

Please click on link below to open PDF of Racing rules 2009-12

RRS2009-2012-[5950]

Please click below for the Equipment rules of sailing

Equipment rules of sailing 2009-12

Sail Shape Ltd has recently been passed out by ISAF, as an IHC certified loft. Sail Shape can now certify sails In-House for both RYA, One Design and IRC endorsed vessels.

Through the IHC process the sail is measured by the sailmaker to see if it fits the requirements and if ok, it is stamped and marked with the ISAF logo. With this certification the sailor will avoid measuring before racing saving time and money.

RYA official IHC list – RYA Licensed Sail Lofts

Please read below the linked information on ISAF

1. What is the ISAF IHC Programme all about?
2. How does the Programme work?
3. Who Controls it?
4. Who approves the In-House Measurers?
5. Who audits the manufacturers and how often?
6. Why is the ISAF IHC Programme better than our current measurement system?
7. What are the costs involved for both the sailors and manufacturers?
8. What is the classes involvement in the programme?
9. Will the ISAF IHC Programme remove the need for existing measurement?

1. What is the ISAF IHC Programme all about?

IHC is a programme to enable builders to self-certify equipment – once they have met certain standards. The aim of IHC is to maintain the standards of fairness guaranteed by traditional control and certification, but reduce the time and cost of these activities. For sailors this means they can buy certified equipment, knowing it is ready to race. With an international system of IHC, ISAF can ensure standards and certification apply worldwide.

2. How does the Programme work?

The programme is to be administered by either an ISAF approved Authorising Authority (AA), which will normally be the MNA, appointed for a country or region (where this is more appropriate), or ISAF itself. The AA will report to ISAF in accordance with the criteria set out in the IHC Criteria and Responsibilities paper (email ISAF Technical for further details).

3. Who Controls it?

ISAF will implement the programme in cooperation with the MNAs; however, IHC by definition will apply to manufacturer and as most manufacturers are not class specific (i.e. they make equipment for more than one class), the scheme cannot be class specific. This means that the IHC programme should only be introduced by the ISAF and not through the class associations; however, under a single ISAF IHC licence, a manufacturer could work with a number of different classes.

4. Who approves the In-House Measurers?

The ISAF develop and establish training schemes for all Internal Official Measurers (IOM) and approve MNAs to undertake IOM certification training in accordance with these schemes. The manufacturer can then nominate a number of members of staff as Internal Official Measurers which will undergotraining specific to their manufactured product, as specified in the ISAF training syllabi.

5. Who audits the manufacturers and how often?

A qualified, independant certified auditor, appointed by an AA for ISAF IHC auditing. The auditing of a manufacturer provides the main element of control which is key to the success of the IHC Programme. Audits are performed by both the manufacturer and the Authorising Authority for internal and external auditing, to ensure the manufacturing process, and the certification control are maintained at the highest level possible. The frequency of these audits varies, with internal audits performed every three months, and an AA external audit every twelve months, although this is subject to change should there be incidence of non-conformity with current class rules.

6. Why is the ISAF IHC Programme better than our current measurement system?

The ISAF IHC Programme is an international scheme that allows sailors to buy race ready equipment from anywhere in the world. There are examples of cases where fundamental measurement and certification of equipment was done at the event, taking up valuable time. The IHC scheme would ensure that all equipment presented at event inspection was properly certified to current class rules with all the correct certification marks in place.

7. What are the costs involved for both the sailors and manufacturers?

This will very much depend on the class, the Authorising Authority, the manufacturer and the type of equipment being certified. In some cases, the costs will be quite small; however, in others this may not be the case. It is anticipated that in most cases, it will be less than those of current certification costs

8. What is the classes involvement in the programme?

Classes are given the option to either opt in or out of the programme and may decide if they wish to be included in the IHC scheme from the outset Assuming the class wishes to be included in the IHC scheme, they are consulted at every step of the proceedings, to ensure the class rules are in order, the measurement of specific items is well documented and to encourage their manufacturers to adopt the ISAF IHC Programme, as well as liasing with the AA regarding the auditing of manufacturers etc.

9. Will the ISAF IHC Programme remove the need for existing measurement?

It may do. Current measurement proceedures will continue to be necessary for classes that do not wish to be included in the ISAF IHC Programme, or for classes where their class rules are not suitable for IHC; however, this is time and class and manufacturer dependant.

ISAF

Hyde Sails makes its presence felt in Cornwall

Hyde’s sails are making their mark in the south-west with a new distributor, Alan Harris, who has been having a busy summer

IRC south-west championship
The Plymouth IRC south-west championship in July saw some great sailing in all classes. Conditions varied right across the board from near gales to sitting on leeward rails. ‘Ayala’, with Alan on board as trimmer/tactician put in a strong performance to finish second in IRC 1.

Fowey-Flushing Race
The race from Fowey to Flushing and back again a few weeks later saw a great fleet of nearly 30 boats in Class 1, including ‘Balladier’, Alan Harris’s own boat, an Albin Ballad, came in second overall, just 10 seconds off first place.

Fowey Royal Regatta 2011
The light wind Regatta gave some very tactical sailing in St. Austell bay. Again the A35, ‘Ayala’ with Alan on board, was in impressive form and won the Mark Goble trophy home for winning the series in IRC Q class. Her win was particularly fitting as Mark Goble, the former owner of ‘Ayala’ sadly passed away in the spring of 2011 and the cup was made in his memory. The Hyde-powered J/105 ‘Neilson Redeye’, on the first stage of her west country tour, was also racing in IRC Q fleet scoring a creditable third overall with the crew enjoying all aspects of this superb regatta.

Roger Pearce skipper/owner of Alisma, won his class in Fowey’s royal regatta. Also taking home the overall flushing and back trophy in his Sadler 25 powered by Sail Shape sails – Click here to see sails

Alan Harris owner/skipper of Balladier was first Fowey boat and 3rd overall sailing down to Flushing. Flushing to Fowey saw a 4th but with a 2nd overall in class by just 10 seconds. Click here to see press release

‘Obsession’, recently had all new covers including a Spray hood, Main cover and dodgers that were fitted during regatta week.

Novia Scotia has had a new set of Hyde sails with a Sail Shape spinnaker.

New Z spar mast, running and standing rigging for a Projection 762

Fitted in May 2011 after a 4 week turnaround

The growth of Hyde’s network of local lofts in the UK continues with the appointment of Mitchell Sails as Hyde’s Cornish distibutor.

Based in Fowey, Mitchell Sails was established by Andy Mitchell in 1983 when the previous sailmaker in Fowey stopped trading. Now run by Andy Mitchell and Alan Harris, the loft is ideally situated to service Plymouth and Cornwall. Based on the water front in Fowey, equidistance between Falmouth and Plymouth, the loft designs and makes sails and covers also providing a quick repair service. During the winter, the loft provides an onsite valeting service washing and repairing sails and covers.

The two faces behind the loft offer a wealth of experience. Andy Mitchell started sailmaking while he was still at school, working with a local sailmaker. After school he joined the Navy before returning to sailmaking in late ‘70s. He has been racing competitively for over 40 years in a variety of boats, including a Troy, which he owned for eight years, and a GK24.

He currently sails a 505 and Fowey River Dinghy. He has been making and repairing sails and covers since 1983. Alan Harris started his sailmaking apprenticeship in 2005 with Mitchell Sails. He then worked for a couple of big name sailmakers in New Zealand and Australia before returning to the UK to complete a Foundation degree in business management followed by a full degree in Marine Science. During his time in Australia and New Zealand, he sailed 16ft Skiffs, Etchells and Mumm 30s, while back in the UK he competed in J24s and an A35 before buying a Sadler 25, which he refitted to compete in the 2009 ARC.

The loft is currently very busy making sails for a variety of boats including Fowey Rivers, Ballads and local racing yachts in both laminate and dacron sailcloth. Speaking about the appointment, Alan Harris said he was proud to be working with the Hyde brand: ‘Distributing Hyde Sails will be an exciting task. Making high quality sails for the racing and cruising scene in Cornwall and Plymouth is something that has always been our focus and we look forward to a strong future for the loft working with Hyde Sails.’

Hyde Sails Cornwall Sail Shape Ltd
28 North Street
Fowey PL23 1DD
Tel: 01726388731
Fax: 01726833731
Web: www.sailmakers-uk.com
Email: cornwall@hydesails.com

These bags are the best on the market for quality and design. With a side pocket for wallets, mobiles etc, and being made from top quality fabrics such as, Kevlar, pentex, polyester webbing and a large Pk zip, these bags are really great value for money.

Size (60cm x 30cm x 30cm)

£59.99

We can personalise bags to your individual requirements or make them from your old sails. (We have some in stock – phone to check on availability).

£8.00 for personalisation (numbers or letters)

If you have any questions or special requirement please ring us to discuss your needs.

We have now made sails for Troy Black Pearl T27  just finished new style jib and spinnaker.

Spray and main cover completed for Contessa 26 made in vanilla acrylic.