The Australian Tasar Council is a very active association with boats sailing in all states and Territories.
Select a relevant state to see all their details
To allow you to plan your upcoming holidays here is a few years worth of Major Tasar events....
2025 January, Mandurah WA, 50th National Titles, event website here.
12 months ago, a number of design changes were made to the
Tasar with a goal of simplifying construction and strengthening the
integrity of the hull. As new boats begin to arrive in Australia,
the presence of a solid shaped centreboard case has led to much
discussion. TANSW have reached out to Julian Bethwaite who has
confirmed the centre case change will not give a performance
difference, however Julian has plans underway to provide a retrofit
kit for fitting by certified builders. Given the Tasar is a
manufacturers class rather than a measurement class, members are
reminded not to attempt retrofit on their own
(Ref Footnote 1)
Background to the changes
Most of our membership will be aware of the design changes to the
Tasar hull and deck that passed through the class 12 months ago.
The changes are now becoming a reality with the production of new
boats becoming available in Australia. The changes included:
Removal of hand holds
Redistribution of weight around the hull, assisted by the
introduction of a new shaped centreboard section
Introduction of a new quality control measure where no boat will
leave the factory under 61kg
Drivers for change
Removal of hand holds simplifies construction, while the other
changes have been made to improve the integrity of the
design:
1. Reduction in the thickness of the foam in the top sides, front
and rear deck to something similar to that of the 49er/29er. This
change has allowed the builder to increase the thickness in the FRP
laminate in the areas that are more highly loaded, ie the
cockpit/deck/carlin/thwart.
2. A change in the design of the centre case as part of the weight
"redistribution" process.
3. Introduction of a minimum weight for the boat when hull
construction is complete
Performance advantages
There has been much discussion on whether the change in the centre
case will produce a performance advantage and Julian does not
believe it will. The leading edge of the centre case is in the same
position as pre-change boats and as Julian stated over email
"Hydrodynamic-aly, the boats are identical." We asked Julian
whether the different shaped cases could lead to one holding more
water or providing a better seal, Julian reflected on the
conversation later over email: "We even got into the amount of
water in the case and the ability to get a pressure seal with one
or the other (with neither can you get anything remotely like an
effective seal so each are as bad as each-other), so to the
assembled multitude, they should behave exactly the same way.".
Next steps
Julian is working to create a retrofit kit for those who wish to
change their centre cases. There is no requirement to change, but
Julian is working with Martin Sly on the kit and is in the process
of advising the builders in NSW that are certified to install.
Martin is now ready to trial the kit.
Ancillary information
Why can't members change their boats themselves? We are a
"Manufacturers class" rather than a "Measurement class". This means
we are reliant on the "Builder" to get the hulls (and other major
components) right. This in turn means we are able to do away with
virtually all measurements in relation to the hull itself. For the
same reason, we are also reliant on the Builder to get any
modifications right so that we can remain confident that our "one
design" status has credibility. The Design rules for the Tasar are
written with this principle front and centre.
I heard that the new centre case will take a 29er board and
those are cheaper, can I go and get one of those now? The Designer
has created a centre case that could take a 29er board at a later
point but has left the decision of whether to make a change with
the class. There is no decision, let alone time frame on this but
it is something we will start gathering data on so that we can get
better information to you. With no change sanctioned, the 29er
board is not legal in the Tasar class.
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1. TANSW recognise that an owner modification is currently subject to protest appeal with Australian Sailing. TANSW respect this process and are in no way attempting to influence this decision. This document is based on our current understanding.