Shadow-X

[libellule]

Hi Guys.
Yves Loday has developed a 14m2 spinnaker kit and instead of selling my Shadow,
I turned her into the new Shadow-X.
1. The kit is affordable and everything is included: bowsprit, spi, ropes...
2. You do not need a new Shadow to install it. It is very easy to install on your present Shadow.
3. Sailing with the new spi is unbelievable. The spi still goes in the chute, ready to be hoisted. As soon the spi is hoisted the Shadow-X sails fast and fast. You sail more downwind than before with regular high speed. Last week was the Eurocat in Carnac. I sailed as down in the wind as the double crew cats (Spit and 18') even more and in the light wind, often faster. On the other cats the competitors were mesmerized by the speed of the Shadow-X and how she could gather speed. All in all a better VMG. It means that if you sail in fleet with double crew cat you stay in the pack.
4. Do not be afraid; sailing with the 14m2 kite is much easier than with the 10m2; the new spi lifts the bow. Trust me; I am not a good sailor, so if I can, you can.

So this Spring you will make a wonderful gift to your Shadow: the 14m2 spi kit!

[Senseo]

Hi,
When you say that "everything is included", didn't you have to buy extra fittings for the halyard ?

[libellule]

You have to raise the halyard 32 cm above the stay.
In the package, you have an eye and the rivets for this purpose.
You just need a driller with a 7 mm drill to make a hole in the front beam
(the back of the bowsprit has a pin which fits in this hole).
You need a 4 mm drill for the rivets on the mast
and of course some sikaflex and the device to fix the rivets.
(the present block at the top of the spi halyard, goes in the eye of the new halyard)
That's all.
I have noticed that with the bowsprit and its rope the boat seems stiffer; another good point.

Can you tell me the serial number of your Shadow ?

[ptanner2611]

Libellue ,

All looks very nice but the shadow is a one design class in the UK and we sail the Shadow as originally designed by Yves Loday.

What you have done Libellue is a join the development classes not create a new Shadow. Your shadow is now out of class.

Hey I have a good idea lets also fit a Jib and larger mainsail and then we can call it the Shadow Triple X but again it would not be a Shadow so out of class.

The point is we have worked hard as an association in the UK to promote and sail the Shadow as a one design class with an active TT series and an Annual National Championships.

That I believe is the major attraction for our membership without moving to cheque book sailing.


Paul Tanner

GBR 018
UK Association Chairman.

[robinl]

Hi,

I agree with Paul. Although the larger kite looks nice, I bought a Shadow because it was modern, had a kite and had the potential to provide class racing. We have 11 at Gurnard now and I really enjoy going to and racing at TTs.

The one design element (and 'boat for boat' on the water racing) is of great importance to me. Multiple configurations is a 'distraction' from this.

I also liked the simplicity of the 10m kite configuration. Its simple, easy to use and can be controlled when the F16's are cartwheeling by. In fact, it is a really good selling point.

Cheers

Robin
GBR 056

[Senseo]

Hi,
Thanks for the information Libellule, looks like some pieces are not included in everybody's kit...
The possibility to race against exact similar boats (especially Shadow's) is definitely a must. So, an open reflexion : could Shadow-X (?) be seen as an opportunity to have multiple options : you still have the possibility to rig the boat to match the class rules, and also deploy a bigger kite the days when you want tickle some other boats (or when there is no other Shadow around) ?

[libellule]

[QUOTE=ptanner2611;4680]Libellue ,

All looks very nice but the shadow is a one design class in the UK and we sail the Shadow as originally designed by Yves Loday.

Me too and the kit is designed by Yves...

What you have done Libellue is a join the development classes not create a new Shadow. Your shadow is now out of class.

Sorry Paul, but this is your Shadow that will be soon out of class.
This is Evolution.

[libellule]

Robin
You say
I also liked the simplicity of the 10m kite configuration. Its simple
The 14m2 is as simple
easy to use
The 14m2 is easier and safier believe me.

[libellule]

Senseo
I can tell you since you use the 14m2 you don't want to go back to the 10m2.

[Ian Smith]

Hi, this is a very interesting development and with all due respect, to reject it out of hand seems a bit hasty, the idea and need of having a larger spin for the Shadow is something that we at Rutland have talked about before, and personally I think would make the boat even more appealing,can the smaller spin still be used on the new setup libellule ?
many assymetric mono hulls have different size spins so why not the Shadow, for lighter wind sailing this would be great, and for racing it would add another dimension in having to decide correct selection for borderline wind conditions.
Having recently sold my Shadow with the intention of getting an Aclass, this would definately have appealed ,as speed is the need for me, (Andrew, can I have my boat back? )