Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Brothers

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

Rolly Tasker Sails 2023 FOOTERsMRT AIS Man Overboard Beacons AUS / NZPantaenius Sail 2025 AUS Footer

Related Articles

IMOCA Speed Runs in Lorient
15th Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération kicks off Une Battle commenced in the 15th Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération with a spectacle guaranteed from the get-go. Speed runs left, right and centre in the Courreaux de Groix, followed by a grand parade by an 11-strong fleet of IMOCAs to delight the crowds.
Posted today at 1:00 pm
America's Cup: The Elephant(s) in the Room
Some shafts of light have been shed on the negotiation positions of the Challengers and Defender. With nearly 250 pages of America's Cup regulations released, it's clear both the Challenger and Defender have ben forced to take a pragmatic stance on the Naples Cup. Some shafts of light have been shed on the positions of the Challengers and Defender.
Posted today at 11:04 am
RSYS to launch new offshore yacht race
Commemorating historic 1864 event, the earliest recorded offshore yacht race in Sydney In 1864, the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS) conducted the earliest recorded offshore yacht race in Sydney, a challenging course from Fort Denison to Newcastle and back.
Posted today at 9:08 am
80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Hits 100 Entries
Sean Langman believes 'Back 2 Black' is the boat to win him the race Sean Langman, Managing Director of Noakes Group, believes his yacht has what it takes to help him secure his first ever win in a Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Posted today at 4:34 am
Women's Match Racing Worlds in Chicago Day 1
Megan Thomson sets the early pace New Zealand's Megan Thomson and her 2.0 Racing Team made a flawless start to the 2025 World Sailing Women's Match Racing World Championship on Lake Michigan on Wednesday, scoring four wins from four races in challenging light conditions.
Posted today at 4:26 am
OK Dinghy Worlds at Lake Garda Day 3
Andrew Mills moves to the top The British team continue to dominate the 2025 OK Dinghy Worlds at Circolo Vela Arco, on Lake Garda. Andrew Mills won both his races on Wednesday, Day 3 of the event, to take the overall lead from Nick Craig, with Charlie Cumbley still in third.
Posted today at 4:18 am
56th La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 2 day 3
Advantage to the Southerners On this second leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2025, between the Bay of Morlaix and Vigo in Spain, two options have taken shape over the past hours.
Posted on 17 Sep
Entry criteria announced for Sardinia Cup 2026
Iconic Yacht Club Costa Smeralda regatta to mirror Admiral's Cup rating bands The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is pleased to announce that the next edition of the Sardinia Cup, taking place from 31 May to 7 June 2026, will adopt the IRC Rating Bands applied by the Royal Ocean Racing Club for the Admiral's Cup.
Posted on 17 Sep
2026 Fireball Worlds Torquay - website now online
Continuing the momentum after the superb event at Lake Garda this year The taste of the last limoncellos may still be lingering on the taste buds following the recent 135 boat Worlds on Lake Garda, but the Fireball Class is already turning its attention to next year's Worlds being hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club in the UK.
Posted on 17 Sep
52 Super Series Porto Cervo preview
Spectacular Sardina will see teams looking to finish 2025 on a high note Teams on the 52 SUPER SERIES head to the renowned YC Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo for the final event of the season, 52 SUPER SERIES - Porto Cervo - Range Rover regatta, all sharing the same, universal ambition, to finish on an absolute high note.
Posted on 17 Sep