Sailing shorthanded or in higher wind strengths, trapezes add a lot of power to the boat and are allowed in some areas worldwide for racing. A simple rope loop system and shock cord system keeps the traps in place, and the rig should be able to support up to 180kg of combined weight maximum. Alternatively, a number of boats have mounted T fittings under the upper spreaders. Note that using trapezes will nullify any warranty on the rig.

Outside of one design racing, the Shaw also has scope to add to the sail inventory; with a code zero type headsail for ultra light winds, a pin head main for consistently strong conditions as well as the reaching kite.

Set up with a boom tent, i-pod portable sound system and a cooler, the Shaw 650 like most sporties offers almost unlimited scope to sail and have fun; whether on the race course or out with friends.

As a teaching boat, in anything under 20 knots, the Shaw provides direct and accurate response, making it an ideal boat for teaching or training for both sailors who’ve just started through to keelboaters, multihullers or dinghy sailors coming into sportboats.