Hi,

Just become the proud owner of 2373 which came with an old Proctor mast. I think it's a D-section but can anyone tell me how to find out?? Seems a bit heavy/stiff but we'll have to see. Would a softer mast be better for light-weights sailing inland? Regards, Dave

Most likely a D.  The D is a teardrop shape section often gold anodised from that era, a few used the C section which is a lot smaller and softer.  Beta Minus has a characteristic flat back to the section either side of the sail groove and is pretty stiff but with a long soft taper above the hounds.  Dimensions are still available on the Selden website I think as D and C still in production.

Have recently acquired 2349 with a gold Proctor, which I'm told is a D.

What design is your new Merlin? Do you plan to do some vintage/CVRDA events?

It's a Proctor 9b and the idea is to do some vintage events when we can, She will be sailed irregularly owing to children's sailing commitments. I haven't looked over her rig and such yet to see what needs doing. A second-hand suit of sails will be required for sure.

Proctor D were a standard on boats this age and although heavy seem reliable. The sails are cut to suit the mast and Proctor D's were slightly taller and had a longer luff than todays masts. Modern sails for carbon masts do NOT suit them - we tried a few on our 9D before we got a second hand set to the correct measurements at which point boat performance improved drastically. If you change your mast you will need to be re-measured as the black bands won't be the same as declared on your certificate and then you'll need new sails to fit. All too much hassle if the mast is in reasonable condition, especially as you'll get penalised on handicap for updating your rig.

Oh and C section are much shorter, softer and readi;y available new or secondhand as they are the Lark standard. I've got some but I wouldn't use one on the Merlin.