White kites

[Twister_Ken]

When did the fashion start for all kites to be white?

 

[Sans Bateau]

I understand that the white car is back in fashion (for some). Those boats are not sponsored by Unilever by any chance? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Lakesailor]

Since the Scottish contingent with green sails seem to have stopped posting.


/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[michael_w]

I sailed a 505 in 1976 which had three all white kites to choose from. Often had the wrong one rigged. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Saves money on the repair tape.

 

[Keen_Ed]

1) White spinnaker cloth is slightly stronger than coloured cloth.

2) If you have all your kites the same colour, then the opposition don't know which one you've put up.

 

[DanTribe]

When my kids sailed dinghies white kites were prefered by the top racers.
Apparently if there was a bit of argy bargy at marks, anyone with a distinctive kite might be remembered and blamed for the incident, whether he was right or wrong.
Not exactly cheating, but something suggested by the coaches.

 

[bbg]

Exactly. Same reason a lot of one-design fleets are largely (or entirely) white. If you are sailing the only red boat in the fleet, it is easy to see when you are OCS. If you are one of thirty white boats and you are OCS, they might not be able to identify you properly.

In fact, the real question is - why would anyone choose a coloured / patterned kite?

 

[Jonny_H]

Agreed, as a racer is anonymity and strength in cloth. Also, North and other big sail makers will hold kites for one design fleets (Prima's, J's etc) in stock, and will hold white as its uncontroversial - so if you want one without waiting you get a white one. Certainly in dinghies you find that RS, Laser and other one design manufacturers will hold white and one other seasonal colour in stock, but if you want a different colour they have to be made to order with an x week lead time as sails are made in China.

On my cruising boat I prefer coloured kites that look more aesthetically pleasing - although I will probably end up with a white kite when a racing boat offers me one cheap /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Jonny

 

[Twister_Ken]

"In fact, the real question is - why would anyone choose a coloured / patterned kite? "

If you've got to trim one for hours on end, on a bright day, having something other than sun-bleached white to stare at helps the trimmer's concentration no end.

 

[fishermantwo]

[ QUOTE ]
When did the fashion start for all kites to be white?]




They actually look good in that photo, nice contrast with the "plastic" mains.

Many years ago I was racing in a fleet of OK dinghies. One boat had a hull painted green one side and red the other, obviously planning ahead for sailing rule breaches

 

[Sui Generis]

Agreed; and in my experience a dark coloured panel on the luff is (paradoxically) easier to see at night

 

[bbg]

That's what sunglasses are for. And I speak as one who has trimmed a white kite for days on end.

 

[davies]

As a keen birder I know about the red kite and the black kite, but this white kite is a new one on me. Shouldn't someone tell the RSPB?

 

[Twister_Ken]

Some one should certainly tell the RSPB - to shut their gobs and let us build more marinas.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I suspect it's a cunning marketing ploy by this lot.

 

[claymore]

Don't think I'm not watching you Lakie - by the way it wiz <span style="color:#666666"> GREY </span>

 

[jhr]

You're just <span style="color:green">green</span> with envy.

Please return to this hallowed turf; I can't remember who caused you to defect elsewhere (probably because they're not worth recalling) but I regularly note your continued absence /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif.