collins
We have just purchased our first Sonata. The boat has not been heavily raced and seems to have the original (or if not very old) IYE mast. We have been advised that the Proctor tapered mast is the more competitive mast and being more flexible allows for more wind to be spilt out of the top of the main in a blow. If anybody has any advise as to whether it is worth me buying a new proctor mast or staying with the original it would be much appreciated.
nmclure
Hi, I had a IYE that broke and now have a proctor/seldin. I reckon that the Proctor is lighter (easier to rig!) and bendier and is probably a better performer in gusty conditions. The IYE was heavier and stiffer and was better for lighter conditions. Depends on your style.
I prefer the Proctor for what it’s worth.
chris.tait
I have an IYE as do other boats on the Gairloch (Clyde) and the three boats with IYE are in the top four boats. So I don’t think there’s a lot of difference in overall performance.
When we asked Mr G about the IYE he kept saying “well when you snap it..”, we have a beefed up plate over the square! cutaway for the forestay, which I think, was the main issue with them.
We have sailed for three seasons with many races over 25knts and its still in one piece?
ROBBIE RICHARDSON
In my opinion having used an iye mast on my first sonata this is rubbish and actually the iye is more flexible, in the first irish championship we run, we were visited by Steve Goacher in Eric and Phil Evans in Irie Blue both top boats, at that time i was running second hand Goachers the boat was still with the original fittings from 1978 and the i.y.e mast, we beat Irie Blue in 4 races out of 9 Irie Blue took second overall by just 1 point from us putting us into third overall out of 17 boats. So what i am saying is do not listen to old wifes tales, if what you have got is in good condition stick with it.