Lighter, smarter, stiffer, stronger
Lighter, smarter, stiffer, stronger
Rondal steps up the game with its advanced, second generation
rollaway slab reefing boom – the Rondal RSR
The 44.8m/147ft Reichel-Pugh sloop Visione is a committed and successful
contender on the superyacht regatta circuit, so when the Owner decided to
enhance performance with a complete new rig, his team knew that a key
component in achieving his objectives would be an advanced new boom system.
Rondal’s expertise in developing sail handling systems proven in challenging
conditions – including aboard Visione – made them a clear choice for the brief.
The key objectives were – to reduce weight while at the same time
accommodating higher leech loads and outhaul loads through stronger, stiffer
construction. In addition, the Team sought to achieve enhanced sail shape at all
reef stages while minimizing chafing, stretch and other potential sources of
damage to the sail.
A pioneering concept taken to new levels
The first Rondal Rollaway Slab Reef (RSR) boom introduced a pioneering fusion
of benefits. These included all the advantages of a rollaway boom to store and
reef the main while offering the additional advantages of slab reefing to optimise
sail shape and load distribution through fixed points of attachment in the sail at
all reef positions.
The second generation RSR boom has built upon these benefits with an
impressive list of refinements and new features including:
Lighter, stiffer construction with simplified and fully integrated outhaul
system (including redesigned titanium outhaul car) to allow higher outhaul
and leech loads
Optimised weight distribution via relocated mandrel engine at forward end
of the boom
Open-front boom facilitates tack fitting closer to the mast, reduces ramp
on mast, avoids luff chafing. Luff tension is adjustable by Cunningham
Fixed tack and clew / reefing positions enhance sail shape, minimize
stretch, and fully remove the load from the mandrel
Rondal’s Style to Order custom styling service means the RSR boom will
be as visually in tune with the yacht as it is operationally
“It has been a great collaboration working with the Rondal Team. They embraced
our vision for an enhanced, performance boom and have shown excellent
cooperation with all professionals involved with the project. There has been
openness to our ideas and a real understanding of the demanding sailing
environment Visione is a part of and this has enabled us to achieve an excellent
result within a constrained time-frame”.- Garth
Visione’s new Rondal RSR boom is now in production and will be installed with
the new rig at the conclusion of her current refit at Baltic Yachts in Finland.
The new, second generation Rondal RSR boom can be retro-fitted to any yacht
looking for performance upgrade opportunities, offering a straightforward means of improving performance and handling while at the same time saving weight and extending mainsail life.
