Supernova

The Supernova is a growing fleet both within Exe Sailing Club and nationally. With Mark 1 and Mark 2 designs both sailing off the same handicap and having similar performance, its the person on the helm that makes the difference.

The Supernova is both fast and fun. With similar but slightly larger stats to a Laser, the hull volume and shape contributes a stable platform for the rig and with little tendency to bury the bow or to gripe to windward, when allowed to heel, the overall sailing characteristics are safe and predictable.

While the Supernova is fundamentally easy to sail, it is a demanding boat to sail well. A strict one design as far as hull, sail plan and foils are concerned, there is some freedom to adjust fittings and cordage. The powerful fully battened rig is controlled by three lines, kicker, clew outhaul and cunningham, easily adjusted while sailing so that the rig can be altered to suit a wide range of crew weight (60 – 110 Kg) and depowered as wind strengths increase. This year a new sail has been introduced with a modern squared head design; initial thoughts are it may well make the boat more controllable in the breeze we will let you know the fleets thoughts in next years update.

This one design dinghy, built exclusively by Hartley boats, is one of only a few single hander classes to get over 100 boats at the Nationals.

The class association is very active with 21 open events throughout the country in the coming 2024 season with the Sea Championships being hosted by Exe Sailing Club on 1st June 2024. This years National Championships are be held at Plas Heli – Welsh National Sailing Centre starting on the 28th June, a group of Exe Sailing Club sailors will be heading up to join in the fun.

Overall, the Supernova is a great choice for the fun sailor right through to a top racer. The Exe sailors are friendly, and the racing is inclusive for all abilities. For an introduction to the boat and its Exe sailors, feel free to contact Ashley at ashmken@outlook.com

For more information.

Rob Vince

Supernova Builder http://www.hartleyboats.com/

Class Association https://www.supernovadinghy.org/

Last updated 22:12 on 1 October 2024