B14 to adopt carbon wings

Latest development to be introduced slowly

Mark Barnes, International B14 Class Association Technical Officer reports: The International B14 Class Association has over the last 10 years, been looking to keep the B14 current at a competitive price, with progressive upgrades every 3-4 years.

Over the winter of 2008 – 2009, the class membership held a referendum with regard to upgrading the class from alloy to carbon wings. The referendum results, overwhelmingly, voted for the class to adopt carbon as the material for the future. This will be phased in over the next few years with carbon winged boats carrying equalising weight in the outer wing ends till 1 July 2013. This means that all alloy winged boats will remain competitive till this date, when most will have upgraded. However, the alloy option will be available till then or as long as supply is available.

The advantage of changing to carbon is that wings will be more readily repairable, future supply secured and should last the life of the boat.

If the B14 World Council deems that the percentage take-up has not been achieved, it retains the option to extend the weight equalisation date beyond July 2013.