McLaughlin Boat Works is the North American importer of all major brands of Optimist racing spars. In combination with being the largest Opti charter provider worldwide, we see spar sets in action in a variety of sailing conditions.
Because we know that there are a lot of options for you to choose from when selecting a spar set, in this guide we will discuss spar materials and construction, product lines, how bend in each part of a spar can affect sail shape, and how to care for your spars.
If you have any questions after reading this article, please feel free to contact us, or give us a call at 800.784.6478.
While there are many producers of Optimist racing spars, in this article we are going to focus on the most popular brands in the United States: E.G. Optiparts, BlackGold, and Optimax spars.
All are made from extruded aluminum. Extrusion is a process where a billet of material is pushed at high pressure through a jig, creating a variety of unique shapes. (Picture 1)
Aluminum extrusions are denoted by a four-digit code, indicating which alloy they are and what strength they may have. For example, racing spars need to be a 6000 or 7000 series extrusion. And while they are similar, they have different wear, strength, and corrosion abilities.
Look for quality…
Remember, not all similar diameter spars are made with the same quality metal, or have the same wall thickness and strength. To ensure you are receiving a high quality spar, be sure to purchase one from a reputable producer with long-standing results.
In the United States, we have two main spar product lines, BlackGold and Optimax. However, while there is quite a bit of discussion about each set’s characteristics, most people are unaware that they are sister product lines.
Firstly, Optimax has been a staple of European sailing. BlackGold was developed in the United States by McLaughlin Boat Works.
Using the Optimax spars as a basis, McLaughlin made tweaks to the spars. Most notable among the tweaks were a high profile Delrin heel plug to help the spars rotate in the mast cup more easily, stainless steel fittings, and initially, a lower sprit cleat position to accommodate the US market. (Pictures 2-3)
Today Optimax and BlackGold run parallel “sister” product lines. As you can see in the chart below, there are similar extrusions and materials in both products.
Spar Bend — What does it do?
Any aluminum spar product, when put under the stresses of sailing, will bend.
What that bend looks like can be affected by the diameter and wall thickness of that particular aluminum tube, however, we need to understand what the bending of each piece of the spar does to our sail shape, pointing ability, and speed.
Mast- Mast bend will fall off to leeward during high wind conditions, as well as to aft while pulling your mainsheet in hard.
This will typically open up the top leech (the back edge of the sail) and flatten the front of the sail. The positive effect of the open top leech and flattened front more than offsets the leeward bend.
There are currently 4 flexibility rankings of mast in the US. In order of most flex to least: First Silver, then MKIIIFlex/Blacklite, next MKIII, and lastly BlackGold/MKIV.
Sprit- The sprit is currently the “hottest” item to bend to affect sail shape. As you can see in the chart above, there are more sprit options available than ever before.
Sprit bend opens the peak of the sail, allowing unusable power out, and keeping the boat flat and pointing high.
There are currently 4 flexibilities of sprit. In order of most flex to least: 28mm Hyperflex, 26.6 Flex and BG Flex, 27mm MKIII and BG, 29mm MKIV and BG Power.
Boom- In our pursuit to get the most speed out of our Optimists, there has been an evolution in spar flexibility, and a change in focus on which spar needs to flex to keep the best sail shape.
You will see many different thicknesses of booms on the market. Boom flex can open up the lower leech of the sail, consequently moving the power aft.
This may give you more power on certain angles of sail, but will not help as much in pointing.
There are currently 4 boom sizes on the market. In order of most flex to least: 32mm Silver, 40mm BG and Optimax, 45mm BG and Optimax, and 55mm BG.
Optimist Racing Spars Set Comparison Chart
| Optimist Racing Spars Set Comparison Chart | ||||||
| Spar Set | Set Part # | Weight Range (rec.) | Aluminum | Mast | Boom Options | Sprit Options |
| Club | EX1051S | Light: < 77lbs | 6000 Series | Porthole Extruded | 32mm | 27mm |
| Silver | EX1048 | Beginning Racing < 77 lbs | 6000 Series | Porthole Extruded | 40mm | 27mm |
| MKIII Flex | OX234MF | < 77 lbs | Lanurep Alloy | Seamless Extruded | 40mm, 45mm | 26.6mm, 28mm |
| BlackLite | EX970 | < 77lbs | 7000 series | Seamless Extruded | 40mm, 45mm | 26.6mm |
| MKIII | OX234M3 | 77-99 lbs | Lanurep Alloy | Seamless Extruded | 40mm, 45mm | 26.6mm, 27mm, 28mm |
| BlackGold | EX975 | 77-99 lbs | 7000 Series | Seamless Extruded | 40mm | 27mm |
| MKIV | OX234M4 | > 88 lbs | Lanurep Alloy | Seamless Extruded | 45mm | 26.6mm, 27mm, 28mm |
| BlackGold Power | EX978 | > 88 lbs | 7000Series | Seamless Extruded | 45mm | 29mm |
| BlackMax | EX980 | > 99 lbs | 7000 Series | Seamless Extruded | 55mm | 29mm |
As you can see from our chart above, each spar set is recommended for a weight range. This is primarily based off of the mast, but can be affected by the boom and sprit combination.
For example, the MKIII and BlackGold have a weight range of 77-99 pounds. Within that range, a sailor can choose a combination of sprit and boom to be most effective at the lower or higher end of the range.
This is an effective option, as you are replacing one or two pieces of a spar set instead of the entire set as your child grows, and their sailing skills and technique improve.
Alumnium — Stress, Wear and Maintenance
Aluminum Opti spars are a study in durability. They are put through some of the harshest corrosive conditions, abused constantly by the sailing environment as well as the sailor, and are expected to have a useful life of 10-20 years.
A large part of their durability comes from the aluminum extrusion chosen by the manufacturer. However, all aluminum will fatigue over time, and can suffer from corrosion if not taken care of correctly. Here’s a few watch items:
Wear and Corrosion- The care and maintenance of your spars is critical. Almost every failure we have seen is directly due to lack of maintenance.
Thankfully, maintenance for your spars is very simple. Thoroughly rinse your spar set after sailing every time you come in. Focus intently on any fittings, screws, or holes in the mast, where salt or dirt may hide.
In addition, at the end of every regatta, or once a week during your sailing season, wash with a mild soap like Dawn®, to cut into any corrosion that may be beginning.
This is something we do here at McLaughlin after every regatta to ensure that our chartered spars are cared for appropriately. Always make sure your spars are dry before you put them away. Follow these simple steps, and your spars will last throughout your Opti career and beyond.
Optimist Racing Spars — Which set is right for you?
We hope this guide has presented you with information you need to decide on the right spar set for you. Be sure to choose a set that is correct for your weight range.
A previously chartered spar set is a great cost effective option for your first racing spar set. Most charter companies will have quite a few lightly used sets in stock, as well as your local Optiparts dealers. In addition, don’t forget to take advantage of the best additional resource for helping in your spar selection, your coach!
Your coach knows a sailor’s particular skill level and sailing style, and can help you find the perfect combination to fit. Thank you for taking the time to read this Guide to Racing Spars, and as always, if you have any questions, please give us a call.
Every sailor wants to have an edge when it comes time to compete, and now you know how to get it.