Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

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

Sail Port Stephens 2026Rooster 2025North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Related Articles

Eight-time World champion leads the line-up
For the World Match Racing Tour Final in Shenzhen The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) today announced the sixteen confirmed skippers to compete in the 2025 World Match Racing Tour Final Shenzhen Bao'an in China scheduled to take place from 6-11 January 2026.
Posted today at 5:03 am
Dorset sailor turns 21 in the most remote ocean
Lauren is the First Mate on board the Washington, DC yacht in the Clipper Race Dorset sailor Lauren Corn celebrated her 21st birthday while racing across the notorious Roaring Forties and helping lead a crew of 20 adventurers around the globe.
Posted on 27 Nov
iQFOiL Senior Europeans at Sferracavallo Day 4
Emma Wilson (GBR) and Nico Goyard (FRA) take the lead as the Final Series wraps up tomorrow Day 4 of the iQFOiL Senior European Championship al Circolo Velico Sferracavallo opened with cooler temperatures and a light morning breeze, keeping both sailors and race officials on their toes.
Posted on 27 Nov
The Famous Project CIC to start on Saturday
A weather window is opening up for their Jules Verne Trophy attempt The big challenge launched by Alexia Barrier and the seven women of "The Famous Project CIC" for the Jules Verne Trophy is set to begin on Saturday!
Posted on 27 Nov
37 nations set for World Sailing Inclusion Champs
A total of 154 athletes, alongside coaches and support staff, have entered the landmark event World Sailing, the sport's global governing body, is celebrating a major milestone as over 150 participants representing 37 nations have registered for the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships.
Posted on 27 Nov
Black Foils injury rocks SailGP Grand Final fight
Black Foils driver Peter Burling will not participate in today's practice sailing Black Foils driver Peter Burling will not participate in today's practice sailing after being rushed to the hospital due to a hand injury on Wednesday.
Posted on 27 Nov
Brisbane Etchells Fleet Championship
Jake Gundry on Happy Hour joins the local fleet of 7 boats This weekend we held our annual season fleet champs. Joining the 7 local boats were Jake Gundry in Happy Hour - racing the boat for the first time after buying it 2 years ago!
Posted on 27 Nov
Vaikobi Black Friday Frenzy starts 7am Friday
Get your carts ready. Set your alarms. Get your carts ready. Set your alarms.
Posted on 27 Nov
18ft Skiff Club Championship Race 6 Preview
Time-honoured championship continues After last Sunday's 18 footer double-header over two short course races, the Australian 18 Footers League returns to a full length championship for next Sunday's Race 6 of the Club Championship on Sydney Harbour.
Posted on 27 Nov
12ft skiff fleet gears up for NSW Championship
Over two weekends at the Sydney Flying Squadron and Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club The 12 foot skiff fleet is gearing up for the NSW Championship to be held over four days and two weekends - 29 and 30 November at Sydney Flying Squadron and 6 and 7 December out of Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club (LCSSC).
Posted on 27 Nov