FRA - For the past 2 years, F.R.A. has been discussing with GASOIL Fins and Philippe CECCHI the feasibility of producing raceboard-specific fins made by an appendage specialist. GASOIL Fins (ailerons-gasoil.com) is no stranger to this field, with fins that have been highly prized for years and a world speed record. As a result of these discussions, the first fin was released in mid-June, and went on to race in the World Championship with Nicolas HUGUET , finishing second on the podium for its first attempt. The operation was made possible thanks to FWODC (France Windsurfing One Design Class) and Jean-François REGGIO , who financially supported F.R.A. for this first risky development phase.
Nicolas HUGUET in discussion with Philippe CECCHI to validate a version of drift finalized after his 2nd place at the 2017 World Championships in Salou (Spain).
FRA - Philippe, you're no stranger to slalom and speed, but to see you interested in a drift that only works at low speeds and close-hauled speeds, a little far from the usual limits that concern you, what motivated you to sign up for this project?
CP - I've always enjoyed working with teams of passionate people, people who let their dreams guide them. They usually come up with great definitions in the service of users.
FRA - Have you had any previous experience with drift profiles?
CP - Yes, a few years ago I was invited to help develop and build a daggerboard and rudder for a FIREBALL world championship, as well as to carry out repairs on monohulls and multihulls.
FRA - F.R.A. trusted you when you talked about an innovative daggerboard with reduced thickness, whereas all the regulars swear by thick, powerful profiles for sailing in the very frequent light airs. Why this different vision from the outset?
CP - Looking at the daggerboard model that Fred BECQUART presented to me as a production daggerboard, I had the impression that time had stopped in the 80s and that all the values seemed to be based on theories from the boat.
A windsurf board sails according to a schedule, which is rarely the case for a monohull.
So I thought it might be interesting, with all the risks involved, to focus on the gliding side of the program.
FRA - It's allabout thickness?
CP - No, it's not all about thickness, of course. Compared to the 80s, we have far more technical resources at our disposal.
Today, the use of carbon fiber is much more widespread, allowing us to reduce thickness while obtaining better and more specific mechanical properties. The use of digital CAD tools enabled us to create a 3D model with a completely revised outline, to position different options in the length of the profile, to redraw the leading edge curves and to perfectly control the thicknesses of the trailing edge.
CAM molding and full-carbon injection molding enable us to produce a derive with precision geometry and exceptional mechanical properties.
FRA - Nicolas HUGUET immediately validated this first development prototype above 12-15 knots... and confirmed that it was also up to the task in light airs. Further discussions with Nicolas should lead to a final V2 version.
CP - Nicolas HUGUET has returned with some fine-tuning and micro-adjustments which should bring greater precision to the definition of navigation programs. These modifications are being studied for a new V2 mold.
Congratulations once again to Nicolas HUGUET, who came home with the runner-up title in light airs, just when we thought this was the part of the daggerboard program that raised the most questions. With a little more wind at this regatta, we could have hoped for even more...
FRA - It also has to be said that everything came together in less than a month (June). One month to design, make a mold, build a first very well finished model and validate it on the water.... A miracle or a rational explanation? All alone on this job?
CP - Yes, that's what I explained at the beginning, the magic of creating teams of enthusiasts worked...
Note: because we must mention little Nicolas GOYARD, a windsurfing champion but also, I can assure you, a rather dexterous 3D software user. He gave us a big hand with the design and machining of the molds.
FRA - When will there be a version of this new daggerboard in your catalog? Adaptable to any board?
CP - I think this option is technically feasible - we've only talked about it for the moment. If a certain number of applicants come forward, we may have to take action.
(Note: since this interview made at the beginning of August 2017, the decision was taken to include a system allowing to adapt the centerboard to any board according to its head shape. This option, which brings versatility, delays the finalization of the project a little due to additional constraints. The final version will be available from the end of September or during October).
FRA - For FRA, the ultimate 'step' in this drifting project will be mass production at the lowest possible price. Do you think it will be possible to adapt a high-performance carbon profile to mass production in glass? Is it possible in terms of processes and materials?
CP - The product we've created is designed for competition, and without compromise, I think I can offer it at around 700€. Admittedly, this may represent a lot of money for some, and I'm aware of that. But the use of the most hi-tech materials and the incidence of labor in handcrafted production lead us inexorably to this price. The idea of a cheaper product is seductive. We could, for example, replace carbon fibers with glass fibers, or use a cheaper resin. Yes, it's possible, but you have to bear in mind that the mechanical values of the part could take a big hit. And despite everything, the cost of labor remains the same whatever the material .... Relocate? So, offering a product that's a little cheaper and a lot less good doesn't really thrill me ... For the time being, although I'm thinking about it, I don't have any concrete solutions to propose.
(Note: F.R.A., which is keeping a close eye on the rapid evolution of current processes for using plastics and composites, is thinking of real opportunities to produce more economically without losing mechanical properties... to be continued).
FRA - Thank you Philippe for all your details and involvement.
