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Lighter, smarter, stiffer, stronger

Published: 16 May 2012

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.