How has fin design changed over the years?
A Before 1992 we used fins to a 9% thickness/chord ratio section by Helmut Quabeck that seemed ideal for low speeds. A big step forward was made in 1992 when we switched to a 7% t/c section by David Hollom. At the same time we adopted the construction method we are still using and which gives an amazingly high stiffness to weight ratio. The gains made by the 1992 fin fuelled big performance gains resulting in several major championship wins. In 2000 we experimented briefly with a 6% t/c version of the 1992 section. It had some advantages but had lower stiffness. A new fin section design became available in early 2003. Another became available in early 2004. The basic difference is in the section shape. New software showed the 2003 section was a big improvement over the 7% t/c section we had been using since 1992 as well as the 6% t/c section. More work indicated a small improvement was possible in 2004 so we made yet another mould. We have found the new section to be superior to the ol
