Hi
The red JIF in the photo is registered, but for some reason the owner hasn't put the number on the sail! The natural coloured one isn't yet, but I will persuade him to register it, plus we have several other JIF's and one Puma that need registering!
I put a post on this site about 18 months ago, detailing my build of JIF sail no. 13. Since then I have built a second JIF (sail no. 14) which I normally sail, but yesterday for some reason I gave 13 an outing! The attached photo shows No. 14 and I must get a sailing shot of 14. I just got a new camera, a Canon EOS digital SLR, so I am suddenly taking photographs again!
I keep a log of my model sailing and last year I recorded around 70 hours on the water time, with my 2 JIF's.
The newer JIF (No. 14) is definitely a better boat than No. 13, but then 13 was my first yacht build and I learned a lot along the way! the main changes were:-
1. The hull bulkheads and fin box were constructed from 3mm liteply rather than balsa, as I found the hull tended to distort a bit with balsa formers whilst applying the sheeting.
2. The balsa hull is finished with JAP tissue, doped on and then spray painted, which makes a much better finish and also is a lot tougher.
3. 25% heavier keel weight.
4. Ply rudder blade
5. Carbon spars
6. Panelled 50 micron film sails, made by Housemartin Sails, who I would thoroughly recommend.
7. More powerful sail servo, which is needed in strong wind conditions.
Victor