Winner 3D Star
The new 3D designed optimist
Some time ago, Winner Optimist decided to launch a new and improved Optimist. Their goal, to make the fastest possible Optimist in the world. Since Winner already built the best Optimists in the world – they did the obvious and had the existing Winner DenMark 12Ti 3D scanned!
Then, Winner had one of the leading Finite Elemente Method (FEM) CAD engineers make a analysis of the Optimist. This way they knew precisely where the weak and strong points of the Optimist were. (FEM allows detailed visualization of where structures bend or twist, and indicates the distribution of stresses and displacements.)
With these two tests in mind Winner hired one of the best 3D CAD engineers and input data from: On water test, FEM test, 3D scans and all the knowledge/feedback gained from Winner sailors and coaches all over the world. After several months of work, the result is a 3D improved and optimised hull shape. Improved Optimist moulds were 3D milled to ensure the hull shape.
How is the 3D Star Optimist optimized
- Better water flow
- Better lift in “nose”
- Maximized length of waterline
- The mast step has been lifted 5 mm (to catch more wind)
- The centerboard case has been lowered 5 mm (to have more centerboard in the water)
- Less drag (the edged has been sharpened)
Watch the video of a Winner Optimist being made at the factory