by Pete1177 » Thu Apr 02, 2015 12:36 pm
Hi Stuart
Welcome to the Supernova world with your new Giles-built boat. It is 20 years this July since the prototype boat sailed in West Oxfordshire, and, although newer boats have seen some technical advancement, there's no reason why your boat shouldn't provide hours of enjoyment, or be competitive should you choose to race.
You would be most welcome to join the Class Association for a nominal £15 per year. You can attend Class Events and our Nationals in June, where you will find a very friendly bunch of people always ready to help newcomers. Our next event is a Training Day at Bowmoor Sailing Club, in Gloucestershire on Friday April 10th. This is not too far from your home address and you would be most welcome (free to Class Association members but you can join on the day).
Back to your original question ... Hartley's Chandlery had mast ramps on back order from Allen since October (I think), but speaking to someone recently at Girton SC, they are difficult to source. You could speak to Paul Kelly at Hartley's Chandlery to see what the latest situation is.
Failing that, it is possible to do a DIY solution with a chopping board or scrap piece of Delrin. You need to ramp to a maximum thickness of 12mm at the forward end - this is set by the Class Rules. I would think you would need some workshop tools to make a mast ramp - perhaps others have specific experience, not having done it myself.
Let us know what you end up doing.
Happy Sailing!
Pete1068
Class Association Secretary