Masts With Ian Pinnell

Book Extract

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MAST

The first decision is carbon or aluminium. If the class rules allow, go for carbon every time. These masts have a smaller section, are lighter and recover from big loadings (e.g. hitting the bottom in a capsize) better than their metal counterparts.

Unfortunately, carbon spars cost 2-3 times more and don’t like having holes drilled in them. 

Next choose your mast manufacturer, if necessary in conjunction with your sailmaker. There may be a number of sections to choose from: go for the one that best suits your crew weight by asking the mast supplier.

Aluminium (left) and carbon (right) cross sections

 

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Tuning to Win is written by multiple champion, sailmaker and chandler Ian Pinnell.