STOP PRESS!!!!

Rumours abound that there will be a big rigged Blaze - aimed initially at the North American market, but equally a boat that could well take on the Phantom here in the UK - both afloat and as the class of choice for those who have eaten all the pies (plus a beer or two along the way)

With a owrking title of the Blaze 100, the intention is to keep everying below the mast heel 'as standard' - only the rig will change to give the heavyweights a chance.

The other novel idea would be to set a minimum crew weight - if you're below a set position on the lardy scales, to use the big rig you boat would carry correctors on a kg for kg basis.

Check out the artists impressions below - the 'before and after'

Report written for Cirrus Race Boats, sent to Dinghy Sailing Magazine 29th November 2006

Blaze Update:

In the September edition, the ‘Singles Scene’ looked at the current state of the ‘mid-range’ single hander and suggested this was an area of sailing, just waiting for more development. One of the existing players in this competitive market has made a major move forward, staking its claim as a serious contender for future growth and success.

The Blaze, designed by Ian Howlett and John Caig in 1996, was Topper’s top of the range single hander until they made the decision earlier this year to cease production, to focus their efforts on roto-moulded hulls. Mike Lyons, the current Blaze National Champion, has been busy forming ‘Cirrus Boats’, the company which will take on all aspects of Sales, Marketing and Support of the Blaze.

The hull will be built by Rondars - the specialist racing dinghy builder at their Westbury factory. Mike Lyons and Rondar’s Paul Young have been working hard together, refining a package that is still very much a Blaze, yet cosmetically is different enough to clearly differentiate it from the old Topper product. Gone is the signature Topper grey deck moulding, instead, the new boats are being constructed in a sharp and striking white colour, which will be complimented by a combination of ‘new look’ mast and sail. Cirrus is looking to North Sails, to produce a fast, attractive and cost effective rig that will match the eye catching combination of all white hull and carbon racks.

These changes, whilst making the boat look more attractive and modern, are both obvious and visible. However, the more important changes will take place behind the scenes of the Blaze construction, as Rondar’s long established production techniques are used to ensure that the new boat is delivered as a quality product. Meanwhile, Mike Lyons is working on those all important areas of Customer Service and Sales. His long association with the Blaze has given him a clear insight into where much of the work needs to be done.

With the first couple of orders now confirmed, construction of the new boats is already scheduled for production by Rondars. The new Cirrus Blaze will be on the Class Association stand at the Dinghy Show in March. With interest already generated by the Class’s new found status, a fleet of over 60 boats, including a number of all white Cirrus specials, is now planned for with some confidence for the Nationals at Warsash next year.

Mike Lyons can be contacted at www.cirrusrace.com

The Blaze Class Association can be reached at www.blaze-sailing.org.uk

Picture/Bearface Ltd