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Sail Port Stephens 2026

New Mills 41 in Japan carries Halls Spars and Rigging from NZ

by Sail-World on 2 Nov 2016
Mills 41 Karasu was launched in September in Japan and features spars from Hall Spars NZ Mills Design
One of Hall Spar's latest projects, IRC Mills 41 Karasu (Crow) has just been launched in Japan and is currently undergoing test sailing.

Built by McConaghy in Zhuhai, this all-carbon racer is targeted at an inshore racing schedule in primarily light/medium conditions. The result of a lengthy reserach and development programme, this boat is for repeat clients in Hong Kong and reflects their experience racing locally in their previous custom Mills 41, as well as their views about the best way to approach the fleet with a new design.

A second generation mast was custom-crafted by Hall Spars & Rigging NZ for this design using High Modulus material for the mast and boom. 



The use of Hall Spar's fluid- structure integration (FSI) software has resulted in improved stiffness and sail integration. Happ Spars new fluid-structure integration (FSI) software is an advanced tool that allows us to accurately model the interaction of different sail combinations on Hall Spars' rigs. 

Giving accurate loading and mast bend predictions, this new tool enables us to explore different rig options in order to find the best solution based on each client's unique brief while reducing man hours spent on-site tuning a rig.

'The ability to integrate sail shape and mast bend and various sail configurations is a major step forward in producing the highest performing spar package possible,' says Hall Spars NZ founder Gary Hassall. 'It also allows us to effectively tune the rigging remotely - positively impacting project delivery timeframes. Loads are now more definable including deck loads for all sheet attachments: a large help for boat builders and designers.'

Karasu features a carbon headstay and a mast constructed from 3D printed titanium parts, as well as internal halyard locks and an optimised windage package.  



For more on the Mills 41 click here

For the latest from Hall Spars NZ click here

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