Well, not quite, after all that is the Howth 17 Footer, but todays boat, is perhaps one of the most popular one design keelboats of its type (an old style classic racing keelboat) of course being, the XOD.
The class was formed in 1911, after a Alfred Westmacott, a boat builder in the Isle of White. And the class started gaining momentum, with 10 boats having been built before the outbreak of World War I, and by World War II 81 boats had been built. By this time, the XOD had almost sealed as a success, but with the outbreak of war, nothing was certain.
It wasn't until 1946, when building resumed after the war, that it resumed its successful past, and in 1946, a Yarmouth (IOW) division of the class started however this was stopped, and not resumed until 2008.
Over the years, the hull shape has remained entirely unchanged, however to keep with times changing, the class also allowed for change in the construction of the XOD.
Now, with over 140 boats racing, you can see why it would attract newcomers to the class. To illustrate my point, all you have to do is look at the event in 'Cowes Week', set aside for the XOD's.
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Saturday 16 November 2013
The Minisail (all types)
Todays boat is an interesting one, and if it wasn't for the minisail, essentially there would be nothing to remember the Sailfish and hence (until recently) something to rival the Sunfish, on this side of the Atlantic.
It all started in 1959, when Ian Proctor visited America, as a reporter for the America's Cup, at the time, an saw what was the Sailfish, as a result, he thought it was such a good idea, spent the next few years designing the Minisail, a beach boat on this side of the Atlantic. It was first built by a number of builders, specifically Chippendale, Bossoms Boatyard, and Plycraft, and eventually this turned into the class we had in the early 1960's. It was later in 1963 when most boats were built of fibreglass, and by this time Chippendale and Bossoms Boatyard, had dropped out of construction for the Minisail.
Later the class really started forming, and quite a few boats were produced. However, the Minisal, slowly but surely died a death, but one which was temporary!
It wasn't until the formation, of the CVRDA and various other organisations, such as the minisail class association, and the hardwork of Rupert Whelan and Ronny D G (who built a new minisail in plywood) that the class has started growing again.
Now often with events run coexisting with the current CVRDA events, the Minisail is slowly becoming the success it once was. And providing a very good, cheap entry into, not just sailing, but also the CVRDA and Minisail class.
The Minisail, comes in a variety of different forms, the Minisail, are the main types, gets split into the Monaco, Sprite, Sprint, and Meson. Each of which have different versions, all updating each other (apart from, it would seem - the Meson).
So, the Minisail is one of the few beach boats found on this side of the Atlantic (not forgetting the Beachcomber and Aquabat), which reached a relative popularity, in the hay-day of sailing. And is one of the few examples like the Sunfish, on this side of the atlantic.
It all started in 1959, when Ian Proctor visited America, as a reporter for the America's Cup, at the time, an saw what was the Sailfish, as a result, he thought it was such a good idea, spent the next few years designing the Minisail, a beach boat on this side of the Atlantic. It was first built by a number of builders, specifically Chippendale, Bossoms Boatyard, and Plycraft, and eventually this turned into the class we had in the early 1960's. It was later in 1963 when most boats were built of fibreglass, and by this time Chippendale and Bossoms Boatyard, had dropped out of construction for the Minisail.
Later the class really started forming, and quite a few boats were produced. However, the Minisal, slowly but surely died a death, but one which was temporary!
It wasn't until the formation, of the CVRDA and various other organisations, such as the minisail class association, and the hardwork of Rupert Whelan and Ronny D G (who built a new minisail in plywood) that the class has started growing again.
Now often with events run coexisting with the current CVRDA events, the Minisail is slowly becoming the success it once was. And providing a very good, cheap entry into, not just sailing, but also the CVRDA and Minisail class.
The Minisail, comes in a variety of different forms, the Minisail, are the main types, gets split into the Monaco, Sprite, Sprint, and Meson. Each of which have different versions, all updating each other (apart from, it would seem - the Meson).
So, the Minisail is one of the few beach boats found on this side of the Atlantic (not forgetting the Beachcomber and Aquabat), which reached a relative popularity, in the hay-day of sailing. And is one of the few examples like the Sunfish, on this side of the atlantic.
Wednesday 13 November 2013
Laser Pico
Okay, todays boat, might not, shall we say; have the nicest of sailing characteristics, be the fastest, and with its roto-mould plastic construction, the nicest to look at.
However the Laser Pico does serve a very good purpose, and that, is, of course getting people into sailing, in more ways than one, it might be someone first boat, it might be a boat someone learnt in, or even one someone has learnt to crew in. I mean, the fact is, if you have learnt to sail in a Laser Pico, you have started a new sport, and one which will hopefully keep you enjoying yourself for a lifetime.
However you started, though, it would certainly be good and healthy for the sport if you continued sailing, in any form you could (only if you enjoy it, of course!), and that of course include the Laser Pico.
So, why have I chosen to document a boat like this, on the calendar? Well, as I say, it is a great boat for unlocking beginnings, and hopefully ones which will last a lifetime.
Onto the facts - the Laser Pico, was originally designed to be a boat for all - easy to sail, rig, singlehanded, double handed, for someone of any age. However, what the Laser Pico lacks is that extra dimension, to move onto that next stage in your sailing career, move onto something with that little bit more quality in sailing characteristics, bigger fleets perhaps, and maybe on to competitive racing. However, for all the Laser Pico lacks, it easily makes up for in opening new chapters in peoples lives. Just count the number of club boats in a boat park at a typical club, the chances are, a few of them will probably be Laser Pico's.
The Laser Pico, is certainly no mirror, in bringing people into the sport, but nevertheless is still a good boat for learning the basics, and a lot of fun can be had out of one.
With a PN of 1260, or 1265 (depending on the size of your crew) and designed in the mid 1990's the Laser Pico, has now sold over 10,000 boats, and will hopefully continue to bring more people into the sport we so love, and enjoy.
The ideas behind the Laser Pico, were really to keep it simple, and that is something it does do very well, hence why it is just so easy to go out and sail.
However the Laser Pico does serve a very good purpose, and that, is, of course getting people into sailing, in more ways than one, it might be someone first boat, it might be a boat someone learnt in, or even one someone has learnt to crew in. I mean, the fact is, if you have learnt to sail in a Laser Pico, you have started a new sport, and one which will hopefully keep you enjoying yourself for a lifetime.
However you started, though, it would certainly be good and healthy for the sport if you continued sailing, in any form you could (only if you enjoy it, of course!), and that of course include the Laser Pico.
So, why have I chosen to document a boat like this, on the calendar? Well, as I say, it is a great boat for unlocking beginnings, and hopefully ones which will last a lifetime.
Onto the facts - the Laser Pico, was originally designed to be a boat for all - easy to sail, rig, singlehanded, double handed, for someone of any age. However, what the Laser Pico lacks is that extra dimension, to move onto that next stage in your sailing career, move onto something with that little bit more quality in sailing characteristics, bigger fleets perhaps, and maybe on to competitive racing. However, for all the Laser Pico lacks, it easily makes up for in opening new chapters in peoples lives. Just count the number of club boats in a boat park at a typical club, the chances are, a few of them will probably be Laser Pico's.
The Laser Pico, is certainly no mirror, in bringing people into the sport, but nevertheless is still a good boat for learning the basics, and a lot of fun can be had out of one.
With a PN of 1260, or 1265 (depending on the size of your crew) and designed in the mid 1990's the Laser Pico, has now sold over 10,000 boats, and will hopefully continue to bring more people into the sport we so love, and enjoy.
The ideas behind the Laser Pico, were really to keep it simple, and that is something it does do very well, hence why it is just so easy to go out and sail.
Tuesday 12 November 2013
12' Skiff
Today's boat is an interesting one, the class, starting around the same time as most of the other skiffs (6', 8', 12', 14', 16' and 18') the 12 footer has also had another similar form within the class's history, and this is of course the R-Class skiff. This, I suppose to go along with foiling, which at the moment, some UK Cherubs, seem to be doing something very similar.
Anyway, back to the 12' skiff.
Started at some point in the late 1800's, the 18' skiff was originally crewed by about 5 people, and was typically sailed, where you mostly see the 18's today; Sydney Harbour. In 1924, the 12' skiff class was formed, and overtime, there boat slowly lost the amount of people within the crew of each boat - i.e. in the 1940's it became crewed by three people, and eventually became a double hander, as we all know it today.
Mainly sailed in Australia and New Zealand, the 12' skiff is slowly gaining popularity elsewhere, including the UK, with one of the first official 12' skiffs being 'Suicide Blonde', built as a UK Cherub, but converted to a 12' skiff, by simply adding more sail area, and a second trapeze (as at the time, it was a '97 rules boat), it was successful on the UK circuit.
With the ability to reach blistering speeds, thanks to the way it is very over canvassed for the size of the hull, the modern 12' skiff has very twitchy handling, hence is tricky to sail.
Anyway, back to the 12' skiff.
Started at some point in the late 1800's, the 18' skiff was originally crewed by about 5 people, and was typically sailed, where you mostly see the 18's today; Sydney Harbour. In 1924, the 12' skiff class was formed, and overtime, there boat slowly lost the amount of people within the crew of each boat - i.e. in the 1940's it became crewed by three people, and eventually became a double hander, as we all know it today.
Mainly sailed in Australia and New Zealand, the 12' skiff is slowly gaining popularity elsewhere, including the UK, with one of the first official 12' skiffs being 'Suicide Blonde', built as a UK Cherub, but converted to a 12' skiff, by simply adding more sail area, and a second trapeze (as at the time, it was a '97 rules boat), it was successful on the UK circuit.
With the ability to reach blistering speeds, thanks to the way it is very over canvassed for the size of the hull, the modern 12' skiff has very twitchy handling, hence is tricky to sail.
Friday 26 July 2013
RS800
Yes, you've got it, another one of Phil Morrison's designs. Today's boat, though, is a little different to both the RS400 and RS200, with it being a twin trapeze skiff, being 4.8m long, and with a handicap of 820, it isn't slow either. With a self tacking jib, light sheet loads with adjustable racks, and a carbon mast, make the RS800 suitable to be sailed by a huge weight range, with between 120kg, and up to around 160kg(?) the RS800 is a particularly versatile boat, meaning, almost any weight of crew can sail it.
It is well balanced and well built too, making it a good class to get in to, and with quite a number having been built, make it a good boat for fleet racing.
With a sail area of 16 metres squared (upwind), a spinnaker of 21 metres squared, and an all up sailing weight of 110kg, you can see where the RS800 gets its speed from.
For more information and images, please see: Click here....
It is well balanced and well built too, making it a good class to get in to, and with quite a number having been built, make it a good boat for fleet racing.
With a sail area of 16 metres squared (upwind), a spinnaker of 21 metres squared, and an all up sailing weight of 110kg, you can see where the RS800 gets its speed from.
For more information and images, please see: Click here....
Thursday 25 July 2013
The RS200
4m long, with a PN of 1057, the RS200, like the RS400 was designed by Phil Morrison, a little like a slightly larger National 12, with a sleek hull, which travels smoothly through the water, and Phil Morrison, being one of the good N12 and Merlin Rocket designer, you can see where he got his ideas.
Designed in 1995, the RS200 has been one of the more popular boats within the RS range, and with a latest sail number of over 1200 it has been a success. Although, the success it has had is not unfounded, after all the RS200, goes well on anything from seas to the smallest pond, and this is aided with the fact it has a swivelling centreboard.
The RS200 is a nice boat to sail, with very smooth sailing characteristics, and a comfortable hiking positiong to go from, much like many N12's.
For more information, please see: Click here...
Designed in 1995, the RS200 has been one of the more popular boats within the RS range, and with a latest sail number of over 1200 it has been a success. Although, the success it has had is not unfounded, after all the RS200, goes well on anything from seas to the smallest pond, and this is aided with the fact it has a swivelling centreboard.
The RS200 is a nice boat to sail, with very smooth sailing characteristics, and a comfortable hiking positiong to go from, much like many N12's.
For more information, please see: Click here...
Tuesday 23 July 2013
The RS400
Something interesting, about the RS400 is the way it has the ability to adjust the angle of the spinnaker pole, so it can sail deeper angles, something which has also really been utilised on the Alto (a boat which can sail its assymetric on a run).
Designed in 1993 by the well known dingy designer and naval architect Phil Morrison, the RS400, is a well thought out boat, giving good performance with a relatively stable hull shape, although, is by no means, a cruising boat.
With both a fully battened main and jib, the sail plan is particularly powerful, and can provide a lot of thrills. Being 4.52m long, and with a sail area of 14.8 metres squared (upwind) and with a spinnaker area of 14 metres squared the RS400 is a powerful boat, and can reach decent speeds with a handicap of 948, and is suitable for both the larger (not too big though) and small inland lakes and reservoirs, with a decent sized fleet at my local sailing club; Bartley SC.
For more information, on the RS400 (and images) please see: Click here....
Designed in 1993 by the well known dingy designer and naval architect Phil Morrison, the RS400, is a well thought out boat, giving good performance with a relatively stable hull shape, although, is by no means, a cruising boat.
With both a fully battened main and jib, the sail plan is particularly powerful, and can provide a lot of thrills. Being 4.52m long, and with a sail area of 14.8 metres squared (upwind) and with a spinnaker area of 14 metres squared the RS400 is a powerful boat, and can reach decent speeds with a handicap of 948, and is suitable for both the larger (not too big though) and small inland lakes and reservoirs, with a decent sized fleet at my local sailing club; Bartley SC.
For more information, on the RS400 (and images) please see: Click here....
Monday 22 July 2013
The 404.
Essetially, the 404, was a Lark hull with more powerful sails, a larger symmetric spinnaker, a trapeze, and a more skiff style type deck layout.
With a large rudder, giving more control, a pretty quick hull shape, with a decent sized sail area, the 404 is not a slow boat, but isn't particularly fast either, with a handicap of 1050 (roughly). Therefore, it is a little faster than a Laser, when the 404 is sailing with the big rig - there were two rigs, a smaller sail area and a larger one, although (I believe) they both fitted the same mast.
With a sail area of around 9.74 metres squared, upwind, and with a spinnaker size of 9.25 square metres, the 404 can provide a fun ride.
For more information, and an image, please see: http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/boats/dinghy/404/
With a large rudder, giving more control, a pretty quick hull shape, with a decent sized sail area, the 404 is not a slow boat, but isn't particularly fast either, with a handicap of 1050 (roughly). Therefore, it is a little faster than a Laser, when the 404 is sailing with the big rig - there were two rigs, a smaller sail area and a larger one, although (I believe) they both fitted the same mast.
With a sail area of around 9.74 metres squared, upwind, and with a spinnaker size of 9.25 square metres, the 404 can provide a fun ride.
For more information, and an image, please see: http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/boats/dinghy/404/
Friday 19 July 2013
The 18' Skiff
Unlimited sail area, a weight of 170kg or less, almost an unlimited hull shape, and possibly more at the forefront of technology than the R Class skiff, the 18' skiff is an incredible site, reaching speeds not far off that of a foiling moth, with a handicap of 695 (the last time I checked), the 18' skiff is a three man skiff, with very limited rules. Infact, I am even lead to believe that in the beginning of the class, there were three rules:
The original 18' skiff as taken a lot of design input from some of the great designers of the 20th and 21s centuries; Bruce Farr, Julian bethwaite, Ben Lexcen, and Ian Murray, just to name a few, to get from the heavy timber construction type 20 crew boats of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But the innovation continues.
For more information, and images, please see: http://www.18footer.org/
- It should be 18' or under.
- The race should be at a cetain time.
- Regardless of speed (handicap) the first to cross the line, is the winner.
The original 18' skiff as taken a lot of design input from some of the great designers of the 20th and 21s centuries; Bruce Farr, Julian bethwaite, Ben Lexcen, and Ian Murray, just to name a few, to get from the heavy timber construction type 20 crew boats of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But the innovation continues.
For more information, and images, please see: http://www.18footer.org/
Thursday 18 July 2013
The Swift Solo
Todays boat, is one not often found in Europe, but more in the far away lands of America.
Having an ineresting sheeting system, with the mainsheet controlling, not just the mainsail, but also the jib, this works by having a self-tacking jib, with the sheets of both the mainsheet and jibsheet spliced together, meaning, as you pull on the main, you also pull on the jib.
Bram Dally (the designer) soon got the idea for the boat, after watching a 49er being sailed singlehanded in around 4 knots of wind, this soon got him thinking. Later, he cut down some 49er sails he had, made his mast 3/4 length, and was soon sailing singlehanded.
After experimenting with this 'cut down' 49er, he eventually decided to design his own version, this is what became the Swift Solo.
The class was formed in 2003, and since, there have been aprroaching 100 having been built in America and Canada.
With Julian Bethwaite commending it, it is obviously a good design, and not slow either.
For more information, please see: http://www.single-handedskiffs.com/home.html
And: http://www.swiftsolo.com/home.html
Having an ineresting sheeting system, with the mainsheet controlling, not just the mainsail, but also the jib, this works by having a self-tacking jib, with the sheets of both the mainsheet and jibsheet spliced together, meaning, as you pull on the main, you also pull on the jib.
Bram Dally (the designer) soon got the idea for the boat, after watching a 49er being sailed singlehanded in around 4 knots of wind, this soon got him thinking. Later, he cut down some 49er sails he had, made his mast 3/4 length, and was soon sailing singlehanded.
After experimenting with this 'cut down' 49er, he eventually decided to design his own version, this is what became the Swift Solo.
The class was formed in 2003, and since, there have been aprroaching 100 having been built in America and Canada.
With Julian Bethwaite commending it, it is obviously a good design, and not slow either.
For more information, please see: http://www.single-handedskiffs.com/home.html
And: http://www.swiftsolo.com/home.html
Wednesday 17 July 2013
The Blaze
The Blaze was designed in 1996, by John Craig and Ian Howlett who is well known for his I14 designs and associations with the America's Cup. It has a 10 metres squared mainsail, which is well developed, and a pivoting centreboard and rudder, meaning it can be sailed in relatively shallow areas easily.
In the year 2000 a call was made by the class association members to reduce the size of the leech of the sail, as it was too much sail area for most helms to handle. With the reduced sail area, a more efficient sail was made, and it made for a more balanced boat.
The company, who markets the Blaze: Topper International, dropped the class in 2007, and the boats construction has been taken over by Rondar Raceboats, and the marketing, by Cirrus Raceboats.
Sailing of a handicap of 1032, it is around the same speed as a Farr 3.7, and a little faster than a Laser, but with its relatively slow speeds and pretty stable hull shape, it makes this boat suitable for small lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
For more information, and images, please see: http://www.blaze-sailing.co.uk/
In the year 2000 a call was made by the class association members to reduce the size of the leech of the sail, as it was too much sail area for most helms to handle. With the reduced sail area, a more efficient sail was made, and it made for a more balanced boat.
The company, who markets the Blaze: Topper International, dropped the class in 2007, and the boats construction has been taken over by Rondar Raceboats, and the marketing, by Cirrus Raceboats.
Sailing of a handicap of 1032, it is around the same speed as a Farr 3.7, and a little faster than a Laser, but with its relatively slow speeds and pretty stable hull shape, it makes this boat suitable for small lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
For more information, and images, please see: http://www.blaze-sailing.co.uk/
Tuesday 16 July 2013
The Spearhead.
First dreamt up by a 505 class world championship measurer, who thought 'what if?'. To be precise; 'what if' you could create a boat free of class rules and parameters, and 'what if' you could have a class with all the benefit of what the 505's wanted to go faster (lighter weight, deeper pointed bow, and flatter and longer hull shape).
So the designing started.
This is where the Spearhead, has some real innovation, as you can see from images, is the way it has an interesting layout of the stays, and not much, if at all reinforcement of the mast step. And ofcourse, all of this saves weight! This was done by having aluminium tubing to support the stays, and as a result, has saved a lot of weight, and increased the longevity of the boat. To give more strength the boat was also constructed from epoxy resins and kevlar, as opposed to the more commonly used (at the time) polyester resin.
Sadly, with the death of the designer, and the moulds beig burnt in a fire, the Spearhead, didn't really have much of a chance to compete against other classes, and as a result, only 24 were ever built. Because of this some of the innovations in the class, never really took off, which is a shame as the class really was very innovative, and from what I have heard, an interesting one, and one which continues to interest me, and being well built, aids the boat's longevity.
For more information and images, please visit: Click here...
So the designing started.
This is where the Spearhead, has some real innovation, as you can see from images, is the way it has an interesting layout of the stays, and not much, if at all reinforcement of the mast step. And ofcourse, all of this saves weight! This was done by having aluminium tubing to support the stays, and as a result, has saved a lot of weight, and increased the longevity of the boat. To give more strength the boat was also constructed from epoxy resins and kevlar, as opposed to the more commonly used (at the time) polyester resin.
Sadly, with the death of the designer, and the moulds beig burnt in a fire, the Spearhead, didn't really have much of a chance to compete against other classes, and as a result, only 24 were ever built. Because of this some of the innovations in the class, never really took off, which is a shame as the class really was very innovative, and from what I have heard, an interesting one, and one which continues to interest me, and being well built, aids the boat's longevity.
For more information and images, please visit: Click here...
Monday 15 July 2013
The Blue Peter
Todays, boat, is an interesting one, designed by Ian Poctor although, unfortunately never really took off, although a number were constructed. With a pocket luff sail, the Blue Peter, is primarily a childrens boat, although can be used as a tender, or cruiser, with ease. Constructed entirely out of fibreglass, the boat was designed and produced to become a childs racing dinghy.
8' long, 4'2" wide and with a draught of just 3", it is ideal for learning to sail on, and with its small sail area of 3.5 metres squared can take light weights well, however, it also has a lot of bouyancy, so, can be a very useful and versatile boat, as a tender (for example).
I have a feeling that the boat never really took off due to the competition it had at the time, such as the optimist, and possibly the up and coming (at the time) topper.
For more information, and images, please see: Click here....
8' long, 4'2" wide and with a draught of just 3", it is ideal for learning to sail on, and with its small sail area of 3.5 metres squared can take light weights well, however, it also has a lot of bouyancy, so, can be a very useful and versatile boat, as a tender (for example).
I have a feeling that the boat never really took off due to the competition it had at the time, such as the optimist, and possibly the up and coming (at the time) topper.
For more information, and images, please see: Click here....
Saturday 13 July 2013
B14
Being 14' long and with a handicap the same as an AC (870) the B14 was designed by Julian Bethwaite as a smaller version to his successful 18' skiffs, the B18. Designed in 1986, and released into Australia in 1987 and Europe in 1993, the B14 has been a small success from the start, with a steady increase in numbers from the start.
The boat, having been claimed to be easy to sail, yet fast, makes it an attractive prospect to future owners, and being as fast (overall) as an AC makes it seem like an exciting boat too, and has (supposedly) the same feel of acceleration of that of an 18' skiff.
One of the great attributes of the B14 is its ability to carry a wide range of weights so both men and women can sail it, as well as lightweights, heavyweights, and short and tall people. And all this can be done without the added complexion of a weight equalisation system.
For more information, and for images, please see: http://alan-davis.net/sites/b14/
Friday 12 July 2013
The DC
This boat completes our trio of International Canoe's, first with the ICOD, the AC and now, the DC. This type of boat has (technically) been the predecessor of the ICOD, or IC as it is more commonly known as. This is because, ever since the 1880's and 1890's, the IC has been a development class, and between the 1880's and 1930's a lot of development took place, with first the Americans sitting on the side of the hull, giving them more leverage, eventually people then started using sliding seats to get more leverage. But it wasn't until Uffa Fox, when the sail plan became more recognisable, with the rules stating you need two masts, however, Uffa, got around this by making a solid wood forestay, which made the rule of two masts essentially obsolete. This led to a rule change allowing a more efficient sail plan, such as Uffa's.
During the early years of the class, there were a number of interesting designs, both in rig and hull shape, even one boat had a 3 spreader mast! something, that (as far as I am aware) hasn't been used on many other small boats until some much more modern 18' skiffs.
Anyway, after a short history of the development of the class, in the early years of the class, now on to more recent developments.
It wasn't until 1972 when the class adopted the Nethercotte one design IC to be the standard hull shape, however, in 2008 the class made a change in rules, allowing development to the hull shape (again) although the foils, rig and spars were allowed to develop during the 'Nethercotte years', so development wasn't completely out of the question.
At the moment, there have been a number of interesting developments to the IC, most namely the fastest current design, often compared to a monohull A class cat, is Chris Maas's design, String Theory, and the design, from the past two world championships is the current winner. However, there are others out there, most notably, the Josie hull shape, Dragonfly, 21st Century Hollow Log, Monkey, the Morrison designs, and Asbo, all of which are very quick, although being more narrow than the ICOD and AC tend to make them even harder to sail.
Overall, the DC is a great area of innovation, and a very exciting development to keep an eye on in the sailing world.
For more information, and images please see: Click here...
During the early years of the class, there were a number of interesting designs, both in rig and hull shape, even one boat had a 3 spreader mast! something, that (as far as I am aware) hasn't been used on many other small boats until some much more modern 18' skiffs.
Anyway, after a short history of the development of the class, in the early years of the class, now on to more recent developments.
It wasn't until 1972 when the class adopted the Nethercotte one design IC to be the standard hull shape, however, in 2008 the class made a change in rules, allowing development to the hull shape (again) although the foils, rig and spars were allowed to develop during the 'Nethercotte years', so development wasn't completely out of the question.
At the moment, there have been a number of interesting developments to the IC, most namely the fastest current design, often compared to a monohull A class cat, is Chris Maas's design, String Theory, and the design, from the past two world championships is the current winner. However, there are others out there, most notably, the Josie hull shape, Dragonfly, 21st Century Hollow Log, Monkey, the Morrison designs, and Asbo, all of which are very quick, although being more narrow than the ICOD and AC tend to make them even harder to sail.
Overall, the DC is a great area of innovation, and a very exciting development to keep an eye on in the sailing world.
For more information, and images please see: Click here...
Thursday 11 July 2013
The Flying Junior
First of I would like to say, it is nice to be back writing the calendar, despite the fact I had a wonderful holiday.
Anyway, now on to the boat, this one (as far as I can tell) is not often sailed in the UK, although is more popular in America and mainland Europe.
The boat itself (as the name suggests) was designed as a feeder class for the Flying Dutchman. With a sail area of 9.3 metres squared, the flying junior has a single trapeze, and symmetric spinnaker, and in America, there is also a variation, that many schools use for sailing, that doesn't utilise the trapeze or spinnaker.
Designed in 1955, and the first to be produced being cold moulded, and despite the fact it is a one design, the class has allowed development in a similar manner to the FD, and as a result, can be a very technical boat, meaning the class allows for learning the technicalities and fine tuning (mast bend and rake etc.) required to sail at the top level.
An interesting rule in the class, means that you have to be 12 years of age to sail with the trapeze, a rule I am not aware of in many other classes.
For more information, please see: http://www.ifjo.org
And for images, please visit: Click here...
Anyway, now on to the boat, this one (as far as I can tell) is not often sailed in the UK, although is more popular in America and mainland Europe.
The boat itself (as the name suggests) was designed as a feeder class for the Flying Dutchman. With a sail area of 9.3 metres squared, the flying junior has a single trapeze, and symmetric spinnaker, and in America, there is also a variation, that many schools use for sailing, that doesn't utilise the trapeze or spinnaker.
Designed in 1955, and the first to be produced being cold moulded, and despite the fact it is a one design, the class has allowed development in a similar manner to the FD, and as a result, can be a very technical boat, meaning the class allows for learning the technicalities and fine tuning (mast bend and rake etc.) required to sail at the top level.
An interesting rule in the class, means that you have to be 12 years of age to sail with the trapeze, a rule I am not aware of in many other classes.
For more information, please see: http://www.ifjo.org
And for images, please visit: Click here...
Wednesday 3 July 2013
The boat with a running asymmetric.
Of course, this being the Alto, one of the few boats (at least that I know of) which has a running asymmetric.
Being almost as fast as a 505, and with easy handling, the Alto provides a fun ride, with the added 'quirkiness' of the running asymmetric. It achieves the running asymmetric spinnaker by having a swinging spinnaker pole, meaning you can swing the tack of the spinnaker right over, and run it (essentially).
The Alto, despite being a rather modern boat, has had a fair number built, and looking to the future, it wouldn't surprise me if the class grew a fair amount.
For more information, and images, please see: http://www.altoboats.com/index.html
Being almost as fast as a 505, and with easy handling, the Alto provides a fun ride, with the added 'quirkiness' of the running asymmetric. It achieves the running asymmetric spinnaker by having a swinging spinnaker pole, meaning you can swing the tack of the spinnaker right over, and run it (essentially).
The Alto, despite being a rather modern boat, has had a fair number built, and looking to the future, it wouldn't surprise me if the class grew a fair amount.
For more information, and images, please see: http://www.altoboats.com/index.html
Monday 1 July 2013
16' Skiff
The class, started in 1901 is one of the oldest classes out there, and by 1908 a small fleet had built up. Originally, the 16' skiffs hull shape was based on the waterman's rowing skiff, which (at the time) was known for its speed and stability. In 1926 the construction had changed to the new clinker style type construction, and during the 1940's development of new glues and adhesives made way to new wooden moulded boats to be formed.
By the 1970's the class allowed for GRP construction, and the rules were updated later this decade, to allow any construction material available to be used. And in 1983 the biggest allowed spinnaker size was increased to 30 metres squared, increasing downwind speed significantly.
During earlier years, you had to race with a crew of 4 or more, although in 1986 the minimum crew amount was changed to 3, as with the effective use of trapeze, the skiff could be handled in all weathers like this (although the use of trapeze had been since the '50's).
Eventually, due to the ever increasing costs of keeping the boats competitive the hull shape and asymmetric spinnaker pole size was fixed, and the class essentially became a one design.
Since then, a new skiff class has been introduced called the 13' skiff, and this was made to create a junior class for the 16' skiff.
For more information and images, please visit: http://www.skiffs.org.au
Sunday 30 June 2013
Skate
Designed in 1956, an Australian class, the skate is an incredible boat, possibly even madder looking than that of the international canoe, with a 10' sliding seat for the crew, and an 8' one for the helm, it is 14' long and can reach very high speeds as a result of the leverage that can be used, meaning there can be a lot of sail area.
Having gone through a fair few rule changes, the skate, has become easier to sail (with the advent of T-foil rudders) and faster, with better sails and more sail area. The sliding seats (unlike the IC) have rails which hold each side on, so can effectively act as a sort of guillotine, if your not careful! However, the boat, being a bit wider than that of the IC, means it can get away with it, with relatively limited risk of the seat acting as a guillotine.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.skatesailingaustralia.org/reports.html
Having gone through a fair few rule changes, the skate, has become easier to sail (with the advent of T-foil rudders) and faster, with better sails and more sail area. The sliding seats (unlike the IC) have rails which hold each side on, so can effectively act as a sort of guillotine, if your not careful! However, the boat, being a bit wider than that of the IC, means it can get away with it, with relatively limited risk of the seat acting as a guillotine.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.skatesailingaustralia.org/reports.html
Saturday 29 June 2013
59er
With the 29er, and 49er both in production, it was decided by Frank Bethwaite to design a similar (but with differences) boat for an older age group. It has a full masthead spinnaker, and so downwind can go pretty quickly. Designed to be a hiking double hander, the 59er is like a Tasar but one step above that. The 59er completes the '9er' series of boats at least for the time being.
Sadly the 59er has not had much success with the boat having had little built, so has a low highest sail number, and no class association (at least not anymore) means the boat seems doomed to not succeed. Which is a shame, as those who I have heard sail one have enjoyed the boat. However, I have also heard you need to carry a fair bit of weight to get the full potential of the boat or be particularly athletic, which hasn't helped the boat sell, in its market area.
Designed in 2000 and put into production in the year 2002, the 59er has been an interesting boat, and with a handicap of around 905 it can reach similar speeds to that of a 505.
For more information, please see: http://bethwaite.com/previous/designs/59er.html
Sadly the 59er has not had much success with the boat having had little built, so has a low highest sail number, and no class association (at least not anymore) means the boat seems doomed to not succeed. Which is a shame, as those who I have heard sail one have enjoyed the boat. However, I have also heard you need to carry a fair bit of weight to get the full potential of the boat or be particularly athletic, which hasn't helped the boat sell, in its market area.
Designed in 2000 and put into production in the year 2002, the 59er has been an interesting boat, and with a handicap of around 905 it can reach similar speeds to that of a 505.
For more information, please see: http://bethwaite.com/previous/designs/59er.html
Friday 28 June 2013
The Miniature Fireball
The miniature fireball, being the bullet, of course, was 12ft long, and built by Chippendale boats, the builder of legendary fireballs. Designed to be a sort of fireball trainer, the Bullet, was for lighter weights than the fireball, for either two young teenagers or one big and small person. Complete with trapeze and symmetric spinnaker, the bullet really was a miniature fireball.
Like the 29er is to the 49er, the bullet is a youth version of the boat, but unfortunately, the bullet never really took off, and as a result only a handful of boats were ever built, and sold. You occasionally see them on ebay, or gumtree, but that is all I have ever heard of them.
It is a shame as the sailing characteristics (I assume - judging by the hull shape) are pretty similar to that of the fireball, and the fireball can be a very nice ride.
Unfortunately, there is no class association for the bullet, so here is a picture off an old ebay ad: Click here...
Like the 29er is to the 49er, the bullet is a youth version of the boat, but unfortunately, the bullet never really took off, and as a result only a handful of boats were ever built, and sold. You occasionally see them on ebay, or gumtree, but that is all I have ever heard of them.
It is a shame as the sailing characteristics (I assume - judging by the hull shape) are pretty similar to that of the fireball, and the fireball can be a very nice ride.
Unfortunately, there is no class association for the bullet, so here is a picture off an old ebay ad: Click here...
Tuesday 25 June 2013
Optimist
The optimist is the worlds most widely used youth boat, with over 160,000 having been built. I learnt to sail on one and race on one, myself and as a result have many fond memories of sailing one on the sea, in Jersey.
Designed in 1947 by Clark Mills with a few modifications since than, such as being slightly modified by Axel Damsgaard and has since become a strict one design in 1995. With a sail area of just 3.3 square metres, and a very stable hull shape, the optimist is very good for young people to start in sailing, and learn the ropes, not just this, but is also very good for teaching racing up to an international level, with world championships, national squads, and is also one of the RYA youth boats, so is a great entry to race sailing dinghies, and is good for getting international competition. In fact, the optimist can train young champions, for example Ben Ainslie competed in the optimist world championships a number of times, and look what and for who he sails now!
I have very good memories of sailing the optimist, and as a result I think it is a good boat for those who want to learn sailing at a young age, and good for those who want to learn racing up to an international level.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.optiworld.org
My first club; St Catherine's sailing club, had a small fleet of them, and so taught people to sail on them, through their scheme of beginners courses.
I have very good memories of sailing the optimist, and as a result I think it is a good boat for those who want to learn sailing at a young age, and good for those who want to learn racing up to an international level.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.optiworld.org
Monday 24 June 2013
The Asymmetric Canoe
OK, I have already done the international canoe, although the same hull shape, I feel the AC deserves its own day, after all it does have rather different sailing characteristics downwind!
The AC was first an idea drawn up to increase downwind speed in the international canoe, after all the IC can be (downwind) as slow as a laser, although the DC is now also filling this gap as well. The spinnakers at the moment seem to be getting bigger and bigger (the biggest I have heard of is 28 square metres! Although I don't know if this is class legal...) and at the time they started using spinnakers, the biggest commonly used were 21.5 square metres big, but now the biggest commonly used is around 23 square metres.
The AC first started being sailed in the late '90's and since than the canoe master Rob Michael of Razorback Boats, has developed a pump system for the spinnaker, which works well, and is an efficient system. The boats sail with a retracting spinnaker pole, and with just (as you have seen) enormous spinnakers.
Below are some pictures of me sailing with my spinnaker:
For more information, please see: www.intcanoe.org.uk
And for more images: http://www.intcanoe.org.uk/gallery/
The AC was first an idea drawn up to increase downwind speed in the international canoe, after all the IC can be (downwind) as slow as a laser, although the DC is now also filling this gap as well. The spinnakers at the moment seem to be getting bigger and bigger (the biggest I have heard of is 28 square metres! Although I don't know if this is class legal...) and at the time they started using spinnakers, the biggest commonly used were 21.5 square metres big, but now the biggest commonly used is around 23 square metres.
The AC first started being sailed in the late '90's and since than the canoe master Rob Michael of Razorback Boats, has developed a pump system for the spinnaker, which works well, and is an efficient system. The boats sail with a retracting spinnaker pole, and with just (as you have seen) enormous spinnakers.
Below are some pictures of me sailing with my spinnaker:
For more information, please see: www.intcanoe.org.uk
And for more images: http://www.intcanoe.org.uk/gallery/
Saturday 22 June 2013
Laser 4000
Like the Laser 5000, the Laser 4000 has a weight equalisation system, when you can change the size of racks, so it is possible to sail the Laser 4000 with a variety of different weights. With a PY of 911 it is pretty quick too, and has a sail area of 14.7 metres squared (upwind) and an asymmetric of around 17 metres squared.
Designed in 1994, by Phil Morrison, the 4000 best performs in a F4-F5 although can do well in a F3 getting the crew out on the trapeze. The boat cannot sail well upwind, although it has a powerful rig and fully battened mainsail, so can sail against other boats in handicap racing competitively. Often found in Europe, specifically the UK, Italy, and France the 4000 has had a number of boats built, and as a result can provide good class racing.
For more information please see: http://www.laser4000.org.uk
And images: Click here....
Designed in 1994, by Phil Morrison, the 4000 best performs in a F4-F5 although can do well in a F3 getting the crew out on the trapeze. The boat cannot sail well upwind, although it has a powerful rig and fully battened mainsail, so can sail against other boats in handicap racing competitively. Often found in Europe, specifically the UK, Italy, and France the 4000 has had a number of boats built, and as a result can provide good class racing.
For more information please see: http://www.laser4000.org.uk
And images: Click here....
Friday 21 June 2013
Flying Dutchman
'What a site', my remark after watching several videos on youtube of this incredible boat. With its enormous overlapping genoa, almost as big as the mainsail, the FD is just an amazing site, and with a PY of around 880, the FD isn't slow either.
With a spinnaker size of around 21 metres squared, a mainsail of 10.2 metres squared, and a jib 8.4 metres squared big! You can see where the FD gets its interesting sail plan. Sailed as the Olympic class since 1960 through to 1992, the FD has developed some interesting characteristics, such as the continuous trapeze system for the crew, which works by having a piece of bungee going from trapeze wire to trapeze wire so when you hook on it essentially means you stay hooked on, as you walk from one side to the other, you just need to step out, and you're already trapezing! However, this wouldn't work on boats with deeper cockpits, and lower booms, the FD (however) has both a high boom and shallow cockpit, meaning the system works.
FD K9 recently bought by a member of the CVRDA, looks just brilliant in the photos I have seen, and its enormous overlapping genoa really suits the boat, and (at least in my eyes) looks more aesthetically pleasing than most modern boats with tiny jibs in comparison.
Now the FD is sailed in the Vintage Games, since 2008 (at least) and designed in 1951, and despite the relatively low sail numbers that the class has had, the FD has stood the test of time, at least in comparison to some other classes, such as the apparent and sad demise of the RS600.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.sailfd.org/sails_fd_president_preface.php
With a spinnaker size of around 21 metres squared, a mainsail of 10.2 metres squared, and a jib 8.4 metres squared big! You can see where the FD gets its interesting sail plan. Sailed as the Olympic class since 1960 through to 1992, the FD has developed some interesting characteristics, such as the continuous trapeze system for the crew, which works by having a piece of bungee going from trapeze wire to trapeze wire so when you hook on it essentially means you stay hooked on, as you walk from one side to the other, you just need to step out, and you're already trapezing! However, this wouldn't work on boats with deeper cockpits, and lower booms, the FD (however) has both a high boom and shallow cockpit, meaning the system works.
FD K9 recently bought by a member of the CVRDA, looks just brilliant in the photos I have seen, and its enormous overlapping genoa really suits the boat, and (at least in my eyes) looks more aesthetically pleasing than most modern boats with tiny jibs in comparison.
Now the FD is sailed in the Vintage Games, since 2008 (at least) and designed in 1951, and despite the relatively low sail numbers that the class has had, the FD has stood the test of time, at least in comparison to some other classes, such as the apparent and sad demise of the RS600.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.sailfd.org/sails_fd_president_preface.php
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Albacore
Today's boat is the Albacore. I one heard one owner of an Albacore comment, saying 'these boats are just great', and being very deep they can sail well on the sea.
15' long, the Albacore is a monohull planing dinghy, and can pretty much be sailed by anyone, competitively, if you have the skill to sail fast. This is due to the highly technical rig, which can be adjusted easily for different crew weights and different conditions, meaning the boat can be sailed by all, in all conditions that are normally found at your local sailing club. Being a planing boat means it can pack some fun in downwind, as well as upwind. There is no wonder, then, as to why over 8000 of these boats have been built.
Designed in 1954, the Albacore had been around for a long time, but what is it about it that makes it an all time classic? Well, the Albacore, goes brilliantly one the sea, and a lot of sailing clubs being close or on the sea, it is obvious as to why people would go for it when based on coastal clubs, but it is also popular inland, this is possibly due to the way it is a well designed boat, and at the same time, it has had a fan base built up over the years, so people will also go for it to race and sail with other Albacore sailors. Also, being a very technical boat, means a lot of experienced sailors can fine tune it, and get a lot out of sailing the boat, as well as the fact that it means there is a lot of string to play with whilst sailing!
For more information and images of the Albacore, please see: http://www.albacore.org.uk/alb/
15' long, the Albacore is a monohull planing dinghy, and can pretty much be sailed by anyone, competitively, if you have the skill to sail fast. This is due to the highly technical rig, which can be adjusted easily for different crew weights and different conditions, meaning the boat can be sailed by all, in all conditions that are normally found at your local sailing club. Being a planing boat means it can pack some fun in downwind, as well as upwind. There is no wonder, then, as to why over 8000 of these boats have been built.
Designed in 1954, the Albacore had been around for a long time, but what is it about it that makes it an all time classic? Well, the Albacore, goes brilliantly one the sea, and a lot of sailing clubs being close or on the sea, it is obvious as to why people would go for it when based on coastal clubs, but it is also popular inland, this is possibly due to the way it is a well designed boat, and at the same time, it has had a fan base built up over the years, so people will also go for it to race and sail with other Albacore sailors. Also, being a very technical boat, means a lot of experienced sailors can fine tune it, and get a lot out of sailing the boat, as well as the fact that it means there is a lot of string to play with whilst sailing!
For more information and images of the Albacore, please see: http://www.albacore.org.uk/alb/
Tuesday 18 June 2013
RS Feva
Todays boat, is one a rather like, despite its roto-mould plastic construction, and slow speed, I have many a-fond memory of sailing this boat, being the first double-hander I have ever sailed and raced in, I have many memories of sailing as the sun is just starting to set, and then getting back in before it gets dark on an evening race at the first club I was a member of; St Catherine's Sailing Club.
Anyway, designed in 2002 by Paul Handley, with an asymmetric of 6.8 metres squared, and a main and jib of around 6.3 metres squared, the RS Feva, is a good introduction to the sailing world of double-handing. With its natural stability and short waterline, it is a good boat to sail in waves, and as a result of its characteristics can often be seen at clubs, for their youth boats.
Despite its shape and construction, the Feva is a fun boat, although I would much rather sail other boats now, at the time I just really enjoyed myself sailing the Feva.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.rsfeva.org.uk
Saturday 15 June 2013
470
Today's boat is one of the Olympic classes for both men and women. With a PY of around 973, it is faster than a fireball, and has a planing hull shape.
With it's bermudan rig, of 11.7 metres squared, and a spinnaker of 13 metres squared, the 470 is a fun class to sail, and due to slower speeds than some Olympic classes and the more stable hull shape, it can provide very tactical situations, and a good introduction to high performance classes. As a result of its more forgiving hull shape, it can be a good class relying on sailing skill as apposed to the ability to move fast.
Also due to being a pretty strict one design, you can be as competitive as others with a similar aged boat.
As a result of the ideal crew weight, the boat can be sailed equally by those of young age and both male and female competitors.
Designed in 1963 by Andre Cornu, it has been an olympic class since 1976.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.470.org
With it's bermudan rig, of 11.7 metres squared, and a spinnaker of 13 metres squared, the 470 is a fun class to sail, and due to slower speeds than some Olympic classes and the more stable hull shape, it can provide very tactical situations, and a good introduction to high performance classes. As a result of its more forgiving hull shape, it can be a good class relying on sailing skill as apposed to the ability to move fast.
Also due to being a pretty strict one design, you can be as competitive as others with a similar aged boat.
As a result of the ideal crew weight, the boat can be sailed equally by those of young age and both male and female competitors.
Designed in 1963 by Andre Cornu, it has been an olympic class since 1976.
For more information and images, please see: http://www.470.org
Wednesday 12 June 2013
49er
Today, is one, if not the fastest double-hander out there, with a PY of 740! Named so after its length - 4.99m, the 49er is, without a doubt an extreme boat. Designed by Julian Bethwaite in the 1990's, the boat itself is now an olympic class, both in the form of the 'classic' 49er and the 49er FX. With a weight of 74kg, the boat is built light, for such a large hull (with a beam of 1.75m) it is a large boat to have such a weight.
In recent times, the boat got a new rig in time for the 2012 Olympics, with a square top mainsail and carbon rig, making it even faster.
With a sail area of 20 metres squared, upwind and a spinnaker of 37 metres squared, and a beam (with wings) of 2.75 metres, it is no surprise that it is a quick boat, having such a large sail area and thin pointed hull.
The boat first featured in the Olympics in 2000, in Sydney, and ever since has been a great boat to watch in the time of the Olympics, with capsizes a common sight, and the shear speed reached by the boats, the boat is enjoyable to watch.
For more information, please see: http://www.49er.org
And for images: http://www.49er.org/gallery
In recent times, the boat got a new rig in time for the 2012 Olympics, with a square top mainsail and carbon rig, making it even faster.
With a sail area of 20 metres squared, upwind and a spinnaker of 37 metres squared, and a beam (with wings) of 2.75 metres, it is no surprise that it is a quick boat, having such a large sail area and thin pointed hull.
The boat first featured in the Olympics in 2000, in Sydney, and ever since has been a great boat to watch in the time of the Olympics, with capsizes a common sight, and the shear speed reached by the boats, the boat is enjoyable to watch.
For more information, please see: http://www.49er.org
And for images: http://www.49er.org/gallery
Monday 10 June 2013
IOD
Today's boat is a day sailer, being 33' long, and was popularised before WWII, the idea behind the yacht, being that winning races was based on just skill, not the latest technology. This has resulted in equal racing (by in large) for all.
Of course, the IOD isn't the first boat to have used this idea, the water wag, amongst others are earlier examples, of this wanted one design trait. However, it was the IOD, which made racing in sailing more equal, with the obvious way that newer sails make a faster boat, a rule was implemented into the class, which helped allow people with older sails to compete more competitively. This idea, was the way that you had to buy sails which a specific sail buying programme allowed. This has helped to keep most IOD's competitive.
This sail buying programme states that individual boats are not allowed to just buy sails, but instead are only allowed to buy what the local fleet votes on which sail would be best to purchase, and the official sail makes promises to make them as close to each other sail in quality, size and strength of the other sails.
It is this ideology which helps to keep old IOD's competitive and makes the class an interesting one.
Designed by Cornelius Sheilds, in pre war America, the IOD has a symmetrical spinnaker, and large bermudan rig of 40 metres squared sail area, combined with the class rules, make the IOD a good keelboat for competitive racing. And as a result, was given international status by ISAF.
For more information, please visit: http://www.internationalonedesign.org
And for images: Click here...
Of course, the IOD isn't the first boat to have used this idea, the water wag, amongst others are earlier examples, of this wanted one design trait. However, it was the IOD, which made racing in sailing more equal, with the obvious way that newer sails make a faster boat, a rule was implemented into the class, which helped allow people with older sails to compete more competitively. This idea, was the way that you had to buy sails which a specific sail buying programme allowed. This has helped to keep most IOD's competitive.
This sail buying programme states that individual boats are not allowed to just buy sails, but instead are only allowed to buy what the local fleet votes on which sail would be best to purchase, and the official sail makes promises to make them as close to each other sail in quality, size and strength of the other sails.
It is this ideology which helps to keep old IOD's competitive and makes the class an interesting one.
Designed by Cornelius Sheilds, in pre war America, the IOD has a symmetrical spinnaker, and large bermudan rig of 40 metres squared sail area, combined with the class rules, make the IOD a good keelboat for competitive racing. And as a result, was given international status by ISAF.
For more information, please visit: http://www.internationalonedesign.org
And for images: Click here...
Sunday 9 June 2013
Payne - Mortlock Canoe
Another interesting one - this being an offshoot of the international canoe class, with not one, but two sliding seats - yes this is essentially a two person international canoe!
Mainly raced in Australia, the Payne-Mortlock Canoe has been sailed for more then half a century. one of the few places in Australia you can see them raced regularly, is at the Brighton and Seacliff YC.
The original boat was first started to be designed in the 1930's specifically 1938, and the hull shape was based on Uffa Fox's Brynhild. But it wasn't until 1946 when the canoe was finished, and this was still not what we know of today as the Payne-Mortlock Canoe, as the hull was increased in size, and this became the recognisable boat.
It is 5.8m long with a beam of 1.37m with an extra 6.5 metres squared of sail area compared to the typical IC, upwind at least, and a 9.8 metre squared spinnaker.
There are only a handful of these interesting boats left, although some are still racing, which can only be a good thing.
For more information, please see: Payne-Mortlock Canoe
There is also a short video if you search youtube.
Mainly raced in Australia, the Payne-Mortlock Canoe has been sailed for more then half a century. one of the few places in Australia you can see them raced regularly, is at the Brighton and Seacliff YC.
The original boat was first started to be designed in the 1930's specifically 1938, and the hull shape was based on Uffa Fox's Brynhild. But it wasn't until 1946 when the canoe was finished, and this was still not what we know of today as the Payne-Mortlock Canoe, as the hull was increased in size, and this became the recognisable boat.
It is 5.8m long with a beam of 1.37m with an extra 6.5 metres squared of sail area compared to the typical IC, upwind at least, and a 9.8 metre squared spinnaker.
There are only a handful of these interesting boats left, although some are still racing, which can only be a good thing.
For more information, please see: Payne-Mortlock Canoe
There is also a short video if you search youtube.
Saturday 8 June 2013
The international 14
The I14 (or international 14) was first developed in the UK, in early 20th century, and was one of the first dinghies to be registered and an international class, by what now is known as ISAF. Being a development class, the boat, has had a lot of development in the past few decades, with it developing twin trapeze and asymmetric spinnakers, massive sizes, of around 32 square metres, and if you can handle it, any size you want!
My own, I14 is a 1987 'penny' or penultimate boat (see pictures below) with twin trapeze, an enormous asymmetric, and is one of the original Hutchinson boats. But, to compare with the modern boats, the old 'penny' 14 has a similar speed (or so I have been told) to a 505, although modern 14 has a handicap of around 780, so to compare the two (with a 505 of 902) you can really see the difference in speed!
The boats, a pretty impressive sight to watch as well, with the enormous spinnakers, and high speeds, they reach, an impressive capsize is always something fun to watch!
Anyway, now for some history: the original boats, could only sail in displacement 'mode' although Uffa Fox introduced planing designs to the class, making them significantly faster downwind, the trapeze, was also tried by the owners of an Uffa built boat, in the 1930's called 'Thunder and Lightning' although, was promptly banned.
It was then several decades, before use of the trapeze was allowed in the class, and it was in the 1980's when twin trapeze caught on, and with newer hull shapes, allowed planing upwind.
The modern 14's are extraordinarily light, with enormous sail areas, a wider beam then the older 14's (including racks) and taller masts with high aspect ratio sails, giving them enormous amounts of power. With the advent of T-foil rudders, the boats were even quicker and people were going for a swim less often. The I14, is a true development class.
Today, boats are built out of extremely light materials too, helping them to go faster, and with modern construction techniques, they are also very strong.
For more information, please see: http://www.international14.org
And for images of a modern 14: http://gbr.international14.org/index.php/14media/photos
My own, I14 is a 1987 'penny' or penultimate boat (see pictures below) with twin trapeze, an enormous asymmetric, and is one of the original Hutchinson boats. But, to compare with the modern boats, the old 'penny' 14 has a similar speed (or so I have been told) to a 505, although modern 14 has a handicap of around 780, so to compare the two (with a 505 of 902) you can really see the difference in speed!
The boats, a pretty impressive sight to watch as well, with the enormous spinnakers, and high speeds, they reach, an impressive capsize is always something fun to watch!
Anyway, now for some history: the original boats, could only sail in displacement 'mode' although Uffa Fox introduced planing designs to the class, making them significantly faster downwind, the trapeze, was also tried by the owners of an Uffa built boat, in the 1930's called 'Thunder and Lightning' although, was promptly banned.
It was then several decades, before use of the trapeze was allowed in the class, and it was in the 1980's when twin trapeze caught on, and with newer hull shapes, allowed planing upwind.
The modern 14's are extraordinarily light, with enormous sail areas, a wider beam then the older 14's (including racks) and taller masts with high aspect ratio sails, giving them enormous amounts of power. With the advent of T-foil rudders, the boats were even quicker and people were going for a swim less often. The I14, is a true development class.
Today, boats are built out of extremely light materials too, helping them to go faster, and with modern construction techniques, they are also very strong.
For more information, please see: http://www.international14.org
And for images of a modern 14: http://gbr.international14.org/index.php/14media/photos
Friday 7 June 2013
'Nightmare' the 7'7" skiff
Today's boat, is a rather interesting boat, being just 7'7" long, with a 4' bowsprit, a beam of 3'6" and racks which are 20" wide.
This being a home built and designed boat - originally named 'Nightmare' to represent the designers and builders of this boat, predictions to as how hard she would be to sail. The original idea came from wanting to build a boat which is both fun to sail and watch, but as the first sail came, and went, a big surprise occurred, the boat wasn't anywhere near as hard to sail as predicted, and in a moderate breeze as you power up, the little skiff wasn't as impossible to handle as expected, being the hull giving stability as you got going. The boat, due to its length is very twitchy, and as a result, if you get the tack wrong you can often end up swimming, and even the slightest gust, can lead to nosediving tendencies, which will require the helm moving aft to counteract this, making the helms ability to move backwards and forwards the main skill in sailing the skiff.
Making the use of a laser 2 mast and rig, and constructed from 4mm ply and stitch glue technique for building, as well as a GRP foam core, the boat proves light enough to lift by one person, but due to the shape, this proved impractical. The boat also has located beneath the mast step and x frame, to help prevent compressional forces, creating the main structure and strength to the hull, bowsprit and racks. All in all she just took just 95 hours to build, and cost less then £200 to construct.
So, all I can say, is a well done to those who built and designed this tiny skiff, as well as the fact that they made a dream and idea into reality.
Many thanks to Reuben T, for the photos and information.
This being a home built and designed boat - originally named 'Nightmare' to represent the designers and builders of this boat, predictions to as how hard she would be to sail. The original idea came from wanting to build a boat which is both fun to sail and watch, but as the first sail came, and went, a big surprise occurred, the boat wasn't anywhere near as hard to sail as predicted, and in a moderate breeze as you power up, the little skiff wasn't as impossible to handle as expected, being the hull giving stability as you got going. The boat, due to its length is very twitchy, and as a result, if you get the tack wrong you can often end up swimming, and even the slightest gust, can lead to nosediving tendencies, which will require the helm moving aft to counteract this, making the helms ability to move backwards and forwards the main skill in sailing the skiff.
Making the use of a laser 2 mast and rig, and constructed from 4mm ply and stitch glue technique for building, as well as a GRP foam core, the boat proves light enough to lift by one person, but due to the shape, this proved impractical. The boat also has located beneath the mast step and x frame, to help prevent compressional forces, creating the main structure and strength to the hull, bowsprit and racks. All in all she just took just 95 hours to build, and cost less then £200 to construct.
So, all I can say, is a well done to those who built and designed this tiny skiff, as well as the fact that they made a dream and idea into reality.
Many thanks to Reuben T, for the photos and information.
Thursday 6 June 2013
29er
A modern, planing monohull skiff for young people.
This being, a 29er, designed by Julian Bethwaite, it is quick with handicap of around 920. Now, a youth class for ISAF, the 29er, is a 1998 design, with a modern rig, made of mylar laminate, and a nylon spinnaker, the boat can plain both upwind and downwind, with its modern, and sleek hull shape. The boat, is constructed from a fibreglass foam sandwich, and has an aluminium mast, with a carbon tip.
With a self tacking job, large fractional asymmetric spinnaker, and natural instability, the 29er, is a good trainer for skiffs, and a good boat to learn about apparent wind, being the fact the boat is quick enough to gain this.
The class, has two variants, the XX, and XS, the XX having a large sail area, and twin trapeze, with the XS having a smaller sail area for smaller sailors.
For more information, please see: http://www.29er.org.uk
And images, please visit: http://www.29er.com/media-gallery
This being, a 29er, designed by Julian Bethwaite, it is quick with handicap of around 920. Now, a youth class for ISAF, the 29er, is a 1998 design, with a modern rig, made of mylar laminate, and a nylon spinnaker, the boat can plain both upwind and downwind, with its modern, and sleek hull shape. The boat, is constructed from a fibreglass foam sandwich, and has an aluminium mast, with a carbon tip.
With a self tacking job, large fractional asymmetric spinnaker, and natural instability, the 29er, is a good trainer for skiffs, and a good boat to learn about apparent wind, being the fact the boat is quick enough to gain this.
The class, has two variants, the XX, and XS, the XX having a large sail area, and twin trapeze, with the XS having a smaller sail area for smaller sailors.
For more information, please see: http://www.29er.org.uk
And images, please visit: http://www.29er.com/media-gallery
Wednesday 5 June 2013
Hurley 22
Today, is the first yacht! This being something, that despite the fact I have never sailed one, my grandparents used to own one, I feel that this boat has earned its place in the calendar.
The Hurley 22, is a 22' long yacht, with either a fin or bilge keel, and has been going since 1964, and once a winner of the round the island race, in 1967. This little yacht, is a good performer, and despite its size, is a proper yacht, with 4 berths, but it is possible to put a hood in the cockpit, and sleep as many six on a warm summers day.
It can still be bought new, today, which is a testament to the class, of what a design it is, with boats having the option to either have a bilge keel or fin keel, and with the ability to trailer around, it is a very versatile boat - as you can tell from the way it once won the round the island race, yet can also be used as a very good cruiser (as my grandparents once did!).
For more information and images, please see: http://www.hurleyownersassociation.co.uk/pages/h22.htm
The Hurley 22, is a 22' long yacht, with either a fin or bilge keel, and has been going since 1964, and once a winner of the round the island race, in 1967. This little yacht, is a good performer, and despite its size, is a proper yacht, with 4 berths, but it is possible to put a hood in the cockpit, and sleep as many six on a warm summers day.
It can still be bought new, today, which is a testament to the class, of what a design it is, with boats having the option to either have a bilge keel or fin keel, and with the ability to trailer around, it is a very versatile boat - as you can tell from the way it once won the round the island race, yet can also be used as a very good cruiser (as my grandparents once did!).
For more information and images, please see: http://www.hurleyownersassociation.co.uk/pages/h22.htm
Monday 3 June 2013
The international moth
Todays boat, is possibly the most extreme dinghy out there, being around 30cm wide in the widest point, and literally flying, this boat has hydrofoils.
The boat, itself, seems to have really gained wings, which is a little ironic, considering its name. But I am going to start, right at the beginning of its story.
In 1928, Len Morris, built and designed the first moth, with similar developments going on in America, with another boat, with a similar design, having been built by Joel Van Sant. Although, the boats did have a few differences, the biggest, being the sail area, with the American boats, having 72 square feet of sail area, and the Australian boats, having 80 square feet of sail area.
By 1971, the two classes joined, forming the international moth class, with the class being known mostly for its rules, allowing a lot of development within the class.
Since the early beginnings of the class, the boats, have had several developments, with a few variants in the boats. The most well known, being the Europa moth, to become the Europe. This was, at one point, the woman's single hander, in the Olympics. There is also the British moth, also, in America - the classic moth, and (as you have seen earlier in the calendar) the New Zealand moth.
Over the years, there have been a lot of different designs of moth, ranging from an almost tunnelled hull scow moth to the most extreme; hydrofoiling moth. Although, despite how extreme the foiling moth is, the hardest boats to sail (of the moth class) are the lowriders, especially ones without T-foil rudders, but still with the skinny hulls, like the skippy, or early axeman boats. Although, several of these skinny lowriders, have been converted to hydrofoiling boats.
This brings us up to today, with hulls weighing under 10 kilos, and fully rigged, under 25 kilos. This is achieved, by the exotic materials used in construction, like kevlar and carbon fibre, and the very clever way they are constructed. But, this lightweight and narrow form the boats take, gives them a natural instability to the boats, making them one of the ultimate challenges of dinghy sailing, and the ability to reach speeds of over 30 knots, and believe me - in an 11 foot dinghy, this is just incredible.
For more information and pictures, please see: http://www.internationalmoth.co.uk
The boat, itself, seems to have really gained wings, which is a little ironic, considering its name. But I am going to start, right at the beginning of its story.
In 1928, Len Morris, built and designed the first moth, with similar developments going on in America, with another boat, with a similar design, having been built by Joel Van Sant. Although, the boats did have a few differences, the biggest, being the sail area, with the American boats, having 72 square feet of sail area, and the Australian boats, having 80 square feet of sail area.
By 1971, the two classes joined, forming the international moth class, with the class being known mostly for its rules, allowing a lot of development within the class.
Since the early beginnings of the class, the boats, have had several developments, with a few variants in the boats. The most well known, being the Europa moth, to become the Europe. This was, at one point, the woman's single hander, in the Olympics. There is also the British moth, also, in America - the classic moth, and (as you have seen earlier in the calendar) the New Zealand moth.
Over the years, there have been a lot of different designs of moth, ranging from an almost tunnelled hull scow moth to the most extreme; hydrofoiling moth. Although, despite how extreme the foiling moth is, the hardest boats to sail (of the moth class) are the lowriders, especially ones without T-foil rudders, but still with the skinny hulls, like the skippy, or early axeman boats. Although, several of these skinny lowriders, have been converted to hydrofoiling boats.
This brings us up to today, with hulls weighing under 10 kilos, and fully rigged, under 25 kilos. This is achieved, by the exotic materials used in construction, like kevlar and carbon fibre, and the very clever way they are constructed. But, this lightweight and narrow form the boats take, gives them a natural instability to the boats, making them one of the ultimate challenges of dinghy sailing, and the ability to reach speeds of over 30 knots, and believe me - in an 11 foot dinghy, this is just incredible.
For more information and pictures, please see: http://www.internationalmoth.co.uk
Sunday 2 June 2013
Australian Cherub
Todays boat, is the Australian Cherub, which, like the UK Cherub, is an asymmetric planing double hander, although, only has one trapeze. With a relatively large sail area, for the hull shape, the boats, despite not having as much sail area as the UK Cherub, are still quick. The Australian Cherub, is a restricted class, so development is allowed, but to a limit.
Like the UK Cherub, the Australian Cherub, stems from the original New Zealand design, back in 1951.
The boats, were also sometimes used in the 12' skiff class, or Q class, with much larger sails, and twin trapeze, but the same hull shape.
For more information, please visit: http://www.cherub.org.au
And for images: http://www.cherub.org.au/cherubgallery
Like the UK Cherub, the Australian Cherub, stems from the original New Zealand design, back in 1951.
The boats, were also sometimes used in the 12' skiff class, or Q class, with much larger sails, and twin trapeze, but the same hull shape.
For more information, please visit: http://www.cherub.org.au
And for images: http://www.cherub.org.au/cherubgallery
Saturday 1 June 2013
The Chesapeake Bay log canoe
Today, is a rather extraordinary boat, being a 35 foot long canoe type boat, with 15' planks on the boat, to keep it upright, and not just one, but three! The boats themselves, are all rather old, one of them being, Island Bird, built in 1882, is one of the more famous boats.
The boats, also have a rather unusual construction, built out of logs strapped together and then hollowed out.
The Chesapeake Bay log canoe, with very tall masts, must provide an amazing sailing experience, and despite the fact they can capsize very easily, it must be part of the excitement, being at the end of a 15' long plank, as they gracefully slice through the water.
The planks themselves, are not even attached, which must add to the feel of sailing one of the oldest still-going classes out there.
The boats are still quick, despite their age, and are also prone to capsizing, even in the lightest of winds. As a result of these characteristics, these boats prove fun to watch (judging by the youtube videos...).
The graceful boats, were first uses to carry oysters and fish to the ports of Chesapeake Bay, and since, the boats, have been adapted to have larger sails and taller masts, for racing.
The boats, in their prime, numbered around 7000, but only a few survive and have been changed for racing.
For mire information and images, please visit: http://www.logcanoegallery.com
The boats, also have a rather unusual construction, built out of logs strapped together and then hollowed out.
The Chesapeake Bay log canoe, with very tall masts, must provide an amazing sailing experience, and despite the fact they can capsize very easily, it must be part of the excitement, being at the end of a 15' long plank, as they gracefully slice through the water.
The planks themselves, are not even attached, which must add to the feel of sailing one of the oldest still-going classes out there.
The boats are still quick, despite their age, and are also prone to capsizing, even in the lightest of winds. As a result of these characteristics, these boats prove fun to watch (judging by the youtube videos...).
The graceful boats, were first uses to carry oysters and fish to the ports of Chesapeake Bay, and since, the boats, have been adapted to have larger sails and taller masts, for racing.
The boats, in their prime, numbered around 7000, but only a few survive and have been changed for racing.
For mire information and images, please visit: http://www.logcanoegallery.com
Friday 31 May 2013
International One Meter
Today, is our second remote controlled yacht, and it is the IOM (or International One Meter).
The boat, is raced all over the world, and is a development class, so allows the class to have people come in, and designed their own boat, although the sail plan, is more strictly controlled. The IOM is thought to be the most sailed, and most competitively sailed remote controlled yacht there is.
As the name suggests, the IOM is one metre long, and the class rules control the amount of draught, and displacement, as well as the length.
The class association, itself, was founded in 2003, to promote the class, and opens, as well as the use and design of these boats.
This is a great class to get into, especially during the winter, when it is sometimes too cold to sail dinghies, and as a result of its popularity, the IOM, is a good entry into the activity of radio sailing, as well as for those winter days when you just don't want to go for a swim!
For more information, please visit: http://www.iomclass.org
And for any images, please see: Click here...
The boat, is raced all over the world, and is a development class, so allows the class to have people come in, and designed their own boat, although the sail plan, is more strictly controlled. The IOM is thought to be the most sailed, and most competitively sailed remote controlled yacht there is.
As the name suggests, the IOM is one metre long, and the class rules control the amount of draught, and displacement, as well as the length.
The class association, itself, was founded in 2003, to promote the class, and opens, as well as the use and design of these boats.
This is a great class to get into, especially during the winter, when it is sometimes too cold to sail dinghies, and as a result of its popularity, the IOM, is a good entry into the activity of radio sailing, as well as for those winter days when you just don't want to go for a swim!
For more information, please visit: http://www.iomclass.org
And for any images, please see: Click here...
Thursday 30 May 2013
The New Zealand moth
The New Zealand moth, is a dinghy based on the original design by Len Morris, and has a one design rig, and hull shape. However, the class does allow development in the centreboard, rudder, deck layout and spars.
The boat, can provide a low cost, fun and easy to sail entry into the sport, and it is also possible to home build, with plans readily available. Its scow hull shape, allow a relatively quick boat, yet it is also nice and easy to sail, without the worry of constantly going for a swim!
It has a sail area of 90 square feet, and a beam of 4' 2", and of course - as with all moths - a length of 3.335m (11'), as well as the nice lightweight hull of 41kg, making it both easy to handle on and off land.
For more information, please see: http://www.sportsground.co.nz/stewartsgullysailing/35489/
And for images, please visit: Click here....
The boat, can provide a low cost, fun and easy to sail entry into the sport, and it is also possible to home build, with plans readily available. Its scow hull shape, allow a relatively quick boat, yet it is also nice and easy to sail, without the worry of constantly going for a swim!
It has a sail area of 90 square feet, and a beam of 4' 2", and of course - as with all moths - a length of 3.335m (11'), as well as the nice lightweight hull of 41kg, making it both easy to handle on and off land.
For more information, please see: http://www.sportsground.co.nz/stewartsgullysailing/35489/
And for images, please visit: Click here....
Wednesday 29 May 2013
16 x 30 canoe
Today, is an unusual boat, but like the international canoe, it has a sliding seat, so you sit outside the boat. The boat itself, was designed for what became the international canoe class, although this is before a rule change, and was at a time when it was mandatory to have two masts on the boats, hence the style of sails on these canoes.
They first came about in the early 20th century, and had about 90 square feet of sail area, with a 5 foot sliding seat, and self draining cockpit, as a result, the boats were a relative success, with quite a few built, although, now, many reside in museums in America.
In recent years, there has been a small resurgence in the class, with several built in America, and these have been sailed, and designed to be easy to build, within one winter, so you can go out, and buy the required materials, and then have it ready for the next season. However, unusually for the class, they were hard chined, and hence sailed slightly differently.
For more information, please visit: http://authenticboats.wordpress.com/16-30-sailing-canoes-2/
And for any images: Click here.
They first came about in the early 20th century, and had about 90 square feet of sail area, with a 5 foot sliding seat, and self draining cockpit, as a result, the boats were a relative success, with quite a few built, although, now, many reside in museums in America.
In recent years, there has been a small resurgence in the class, with several built in America, and these have been sailed, and designed to be easy to build, within one winter, so you can go out, and buy the required materials, and then have it ready for the next season. However, unusually for the class, they were hard chined, and hence sailed slightly differently.
For more information, please visit: http://authenticboats.wordpress.com/16-30-sailing-canoes-2/
And for any images: Click here.
Tuesday 28 May 2013
Lightweight, responsive, and fun.....
The Farr 3.7
The Farr 3.7, is a popular class in New Zealand, and has had around 400 boats built, to this present day.
Designed in 1971 by Bruce Farr. The boat, has been commended for its smooth handling, and has often been compared to a lightweight's contender. The boat itself (as the name suggests) is 3.7m long, and has a beam of 5'.
The boats, also last well, with the first built, still being raced. With a lightweight hull (just 50kg!) and planing hull shape, the boat, can give a fun ride, and is responsive and relatively easy to handle too, so is a good introduction to helming on the trapeze.
The boat itself, was designed by Bruce, as a singlehanded version of his successful, 12' and 18' skiffs, and a trainer for them, and, from what I have seen and read, it seems to have comfortably fitted the designed aims, and the idea behind it has worked well.
With 8.8 square metres of sail area, the boat itself, with its trapeze, isn't hard to handle, and as a result has a guide crew weight of (around) 55 - 80 kilos, so can provide a good alternative to the more popular laser.
In more recent times, people have experimented with putting an asymmetric spinnaker on the boats, and despite; not being class legal, people have managed to have a lot fo fun out of them this way.
Currently, there are two boats in the UK, which are being sailed, although, there are more being built - both professionally and home built.
For pictures and more information, please see: http://www.uk3-7class.org
The Farr 3.7, is a popular class in New Zealand, and has had around 400 boats built, to this present day.
Designed in 1971 by Bruce Farr. The boat, has been commended for its smooth handling, and has often been compared to a lightweight's contender. The boat itself (as the name suggests) is 3.7m long, and has a beam of 5'.
The boats, also last well, with the first built, still being raced. With a lightweight hull (just 50kg!) and planing hull shape, the boat, can give a fun ride, and is responsive and relatively easy to handle too, so is a good introduction to helming on the trapeze.
The boat itself, was designed by Bruce, as a singlehanded version of his successful, 12' and 18' skiffs, and a trainer for them, and, from what I have seen and read, it seems to have comfortably fitted the designed aims, and the idea behind it has worked well.
With 8.8 square metres of sail area, the boat itself, with its trapeze, isn't hard to handle, and as a result has a guide crew weight of (around) 55 - 80 kilos, so can provide a good alternative to the more popular laser.
In more recent times, people have experimented with putting an asymmetric spinnaker on the boats, and despite; not being class legal, people have managed to have a lot fo fun out of them this way.
Currently, there are two boats in the UK, which are being sailed, although, there are more being built - both professionally and home built.
For pictures and more information, please see: http://www.uk3-7class.org
Sunday 26 May 2013
The 'Heavyweight' Sharpie
Today, is the more traditional sharpie, with a gaff rig, designed in 1931. The class was, at one point, in the Olympics (during 1956 - to be precise), and at this time, it was said to be the peak for the class.
Despite, its name, the 12 square metre sharpie, actually has closer to 16 square metres of sail, at the moment compared to the original design, and sails off a handicap of around 1026, so, despite its age, it is still relatively quick.
The sharpie, is still raced in Europe (including the UK) competitively, and is a contender for the vintage games, it being a previous boat of the olympics.
The boat, looks fun to sail, and has a two person crew, with no spinnaker (unlike the lightweight sharpie), and a whisker pole, for the jib (downwind).
For photos, please visit: click here...
Saturday 25 May 2013
Open sailing canoe
Today, is a boat which has many forms, and is often used for cruising. It can be a a trimaran or just a monohull, but both of them look like fun. With many different forms, and they can be sailed one or two or more up, depending on the size of craft. And essentially this is how the international canoe class came to being, with open canoes being raced, up until the Americans came along to one of the events, and sat on the side of the boats. Eventually this evolved into sliding seat type craft, and the international canoe class - as we know it today - was born.
However, today we are discussing the open sailing canoe, so that is enough on international canoes....
As the name suggests, (and has already partially been said) it is a very open class. And as a result, virtually any canoe with sails is allowed into the class. Although, there are three main canoe classes. There is the ACA class, C class and the Cruising class.
The ACA class rules stipulate, that the canoe can be any shape, however, the sails must be bought through the ACA national association, along with plans for the rig, or you can by a rig through the association. The C class canoe, can be any hull shape, up to 564cm, and cannot be asymmetrical, as a result, these canoes can be pretty fast. And, lastly the Cruising class, is a symmetrical hull shape, and sail area is decided by the length and shape of the boat.
For more information and images, please visit: http://www.ocsg.org.uk
However, today we are discussing the open sailing canoe, so that is enough on international canoes....
As the name suggests, (and has already partially been said) it is a very open class. And as a result, virtually any canoe with sails is allowed into the class. Although, there are three main canoe classes. There is the ACA class, C class and the Cruising class.
The ACA class rules stipulate, that the canoe can be any shape, however, the sails must be bought through the ACA national association, along with plans for the rig, or you can by a rig through the association. The C class canoe, can be any hull shape, up to 564cm, and cannot be asymmetrical, as a result, these canoes can be pretty fast. And, lastly the Cruising class, is a symmetrical hull shape, and sail area is decided by the length and shape of the boat.
For more information and images, please visit: http://www.ocsg.org.uk
Friday 24 May 2013
Day 11
Today, is a boat, which is pretty modern, designed in 2007 by Jo Richards, and there are two different rigs; the XD rig, the other is a standard rig. The XD has a larger spinnaker, trapeze lines and a mylar mainsail.
This boat, despite its rotomould plastic construction, can be a lot of fun, and is great for a beginner learning to trapeze, so the boat has a lot of uses, and so it can be cruised, raced, sailed with two or even one up, and even motored about.
Due to its construction, the vago, requires very little maintenance, and is almost indestructible, so this has been a real attraction to the boat, and as a result, has brought in a number of people into the sport of sailing, which can only be a good thing.
The vago, also planes relatively early, due to its hull shape, and construction, so despite the handicap being 1064, it produces a lot of wake, and a good sensation of speed.
For more information on the Vago, please visit: http://www.vagosailing.com
And for images: http://www.vagosailing.com/gallery/photogal/main/
This boat, despite its rotomould plastic construction, can be a lot of fun, and is great for a beginner learning to trapeze, so the boat has a lot of uses, and so it can be cruised, raced, sailed with two or even one up, and even motored about.
Due to its construction, the vago, requires very little maintenance, and is almost indestructible, so this has been a real attraction to the boat, and as a result, has brought in a number of people into the sport of sailing, which can only be a good thing.
The vago, also planes relatively early, due to its hull shape, and construction, so despite the handicap being 1064, it produces a lot of wake, and a good sensation of speed.
For more information on the Vago, please visit: http://www.vagosailing.com
And for images: http://www.vagosailing.com/gallery/photogal/main/
Thursday 23 May 2013
Lightweight Sharpie
The lightweight sharpie, is a development on the sharpie, with a one piece mast (bermudan rig instead of a gaff rig), it is mainly sailed in Australia.
It is a 20' (well, to be precise, 19' 11 3/4") boat, and the idea was first conceived by the Addison Brothers of Western Australia. The class rules allow little development in the hull shape, with the hope it would keep older boats competitive. And as a result, it is claimed that it isn't a chequebook which wins you races; it is the skill and determination.
The boat, has a crew of three, and a single trapeze, and has around 12 square metres of sail area.
The class derived from the 12 square metre sharpie (or 'heavyweight' sharpie...) and the most recent development has been a larger spinnaker.
As a result, to this, the lightweight sharpie looks like a quick boat, and in 1956 the heavyweight sharpie was one of the boats in the olympics.
For more information, please visit: http://www.sharpies.com.au/index.html
And for some pictures, see: http://www.sharpies.com.au/Gallery.html
It is a 20' (well, to be precise, 19' 11 3/4") boat, and the idea was first conceived by the Addison Brothers of Western Australia. The class rules allow little development in the hull shape, with the hope it would keep older boats competitive. And as a result, it is claimed that it isn't a chequebook which wins you races; it is the skill and determination.
The boat, has a crew of three, and a single trapeze, and has around 12 square metres of sail area.
The class derived from the 12 square metre sharpie (or 'heavyweight' sharpie...) and the most recent development has been a larger spinnaker.
As a result, to this, the lightweight sharpie looks like a quick boat, and in 1956 the heavyweight sharpie was one of the boats in the olympics.
For more information, please visit: http://www.sharpies.com.au/index.html
And for some pictures, see: http://www.sharpies.com.au/Gallery.html
Wednesday 22 May 2013
The Footy
Okay, so this isn't a sailing dinghy, or a yacht, however, it is a sailing boat, so hence the reason for including it...
The footy, was an idea, that (I believe) was first started in the year 2000, by Richard Webb, and it was a simple idea; one that there should be a simple class, which allows a large variety of people to built, design and sail these small boats. Hence, why the boat has such open design parameters. These being, if you build and design your own boat, and if it fits within the measurement box, then it is allowed to race and sail against other footy's. The boat has always been good for an entry to the world of boat building, and you can see this through the variety of different materials used to build the boats, with some having even been built out of carbon fibre to old bottles!
The footy is a fun class, and they look fun to sail, in even the smallest areas of water. And as a result, of the cheap building costs, ease of building and running costs, the footy has had over 400 built, and one even with a wing sail!
For more information, please visit: http://footy.rcsailing.net/index.php
For photos, please see: http://footy.rcsailing.net/gallery.php
The footy, was an idea, that (I believe) was first started in the year 2000, by Richard Webb, and it was a simple idea; one that there should be a simple class, which allows a large variety of people to built, design and sail these small boats. Hence, why the boat has such open design parameters. These being, if you build and design your own boat, and if it fits within the measurement box, then it is allowed to race and sail against other footy's. The boat has always been good for an entry to the world of boat building, and you can see this through the variety of different materials used to build the boats, with some having even been built out of carbon fibre to old bottles!
The footy is a fun class, and they look fun to sail, in even the smallest areas of water. And as a result, of the cheap building costs, ease of building and running costs, the footy has had over 400 built, and one even with a wing sail!
For more information, please visit: http://footy.rcsailing.net/index.php
For photos, please see: http://footy.rcsailing.net/gallery.php
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Laser 5000
Today, we have a pioneering, yet simple idea for a dinghy.
This, being the laser 5000. This boat, was the first boat to be designed with adjustable racks, and so, it could be sailed by a wider range of weights as crews then most classes.
This idea, was soon picked up, and since then a number of boats with adjustable racks have been designed, most notably, the RS800, RS600 (and the RS600FF - same hull shape as the RS600, yet it has hydrofoils), laser 4000 and RS700.
Designed in the 1990's by Phil Morrison, it went (in 1996) to the ISAF trials to become an olympic class, although it lost out to the 49er.
With a handicap of 846 it is very quick, especially with a sail area of 20.8 square metres, and a 33 square metre spinnaker, the laser 5000, was a big hit, with over 5000 having been built.
For more information, please visit: http://laser5000.org
And for pictures, please see: http://laser5000.org/gallery-4/rutland-2007/
This, being the laser 5000. This boat, was the first boat to be designed with adjustable racks, and so, it could be sailed by a wider range of weights as crews then most classes.
This idea, was soon picked up, and since then a number of boats with adjustable racks have been designed, most notably, the RS800, RS600 (and the RS600FF - same hull shape as the RS600, yet it has hydrofoils), laser 4000 and RS700.
Designed in the 1990's by Phil Morrison, it went (in 1996) to the ISAF trials to become an olympic class, although it lost out to the 49er.
With a handicap of 846 it is very quick, especially with a sail area of 20.8 square metres, and a 33 square metre spinnaker, the laser 5000, was a big hit, with over 5000 having been built.
For more information, please visit: http://laser5000.org
And for pictures, please see: http://laser5000.org/gallery-4/rutland-2007/
Monday 20 May 2013
420
The 420, is a monohull planing dinghy with a crew of 2 and a trapeze with spinnaker. The boat, is named due to the length (4.2m), and has a handicap of 1087, so isn't far off the speed of a laser. Designed in 1959, it is a very popular youth class, with over 50,000 having been built. It was designed to be an easier to handle, version of a 470 - designed by the same person (Christian Maury), and from what I have heard, is a nice boat to sail. The class rules allow some development to take place, yet it is kept slow enough so, to not render relatively old boats useless on the racing scene.
It has a sail area of 13 square metres upwind, and a spinnaker of 10 square metres. The boat, is a good boat for an introduction to trapezing, and use of a symmetric spinnaker. And as a result has been made an ISAF youth class.
The boat, is great in high winds, and in several handicap events over the winter, 420's have been the winning boat - due to the heavy weather.
For more information, please visits: http://www.420sailing.org.uk
And for photos: http://www.420sailing.org.uk/PhotoGall.php?Action=DispCat&SessionCRC=-1501031262&PCatID=293&PCatCRC=1408000949
It has a sail area of 13 square metres upwind, and a spinnaker of 10 square metres. The boat, is a good boat for an introduction to trapezing, and use of a symmetric spinnaker. And as a result has been made an ISAF youth class.
The boat, is great in high winds, and in several handicap events over the winter, 420's have been the winning boat - due to the heavy weather.
For more information, please visits: http://www.420sailing.org.uk
And for photos: http://www.420sailing.org.uk/PhotoGall.php?Action=DispCat&SessionCRC=-1501031262&PCatID=293&PCatCRC=1408000949
Sunday 19 May 2013
UK Cherub (2005 rules)
The UK cherub.
A fast planing monohull dinghy, twin trapeze, and with handicap of around 930. The class was first started in 1951, as a development class, however since then it has had a number of rule changes. And today, we are focussing on the 2005 rules boats.
They are 12' long, and the modern rules boats have an upwind sail area of around 15.5 square metres, and an asymmetric spinnaker of 21 square metres, the boats are very quick downwind, yet upwind can be relatively slow compared to some longer boats. And the hulls are very light, weighing just 50kg, this means the cherub can be a great ride. The sail area (also) isn't too big, so has attracted a lot of young people to the class, and as a result, it isn't uncommon to see parent/child, brother/sister, boyfriend/girlfriend crews. And most notably, at a recent nationals, (at Pwllheli), there were a lot of crews like this.
From what I have heard, the cherub, is a fun boat, and a few boats have even been used as 12' skiffs, such as 'suicide blonde'.
For more information (and pictures) please visit: http://www.uk-cherub.org/doku.php/start?purge=true
A fast planing monohull dinghy, twin trapeze, and with handicap of around 930. The class was first started in 1951, as a development class, however since then it has had a number of rule changes. And today, we are focussing on the 2005 rules boats.
They are 12' long, and the modern rules boats have an upwind sail area of around 15.5 square metres, and an asymmetric spinnaker of 21 square metres, the boats are very quick downwind, yet upwind can be relatively slow compared to some longer boats. And the hulls are very light, weighing just 50kg, this means the cherub can be a great ride. The sail area (also) isn't too big, so has attracted a lot of young people to the class, and as a result, it isn't uncommon to see parent/child, brother/sister, boyfriend/girlfriend crews. And most notably, at a recent nationals, (at Pwllheli), there were a lot of crews like this.
From what I have heard, the cherub, is a fun boat, and a few boats have even been used as 12' skiffs, such as 'suicide blonde'.
For more information (and pictures) please visit: http://www.uk-cherub.org/doku.php/start?purge=true
Saturday 18 May 2013
The Fireball
Designed in 1962 by Peter Milne, the fireball, is a lovely smooth boat to sail. With 13.3 square metres of sail area (upwind), and a 13 square metre spinnaker, it is a well balanced machine, and sails well. Because of this, it is a good boat to learn how to trapeze on, and has even been singlehanded, to teach how to trapeze on the helm.
The modern wide-bowed boats are the fastest, giving a handicap of 980, which used to be only achievable in heavy weather, and the fireball can now get planning sooner.
Winder are currently the maker of the fastest fireballs, with severn sailboats not far behind.
The fireball is a fun boat, has lovely smooth sailing characteristics, and is nice and balanced. It was also pioneering, the design based on large scows sailed in Canada, the boat is one of the few boats which popularised the scow shape more around the globe. And, due to the sailing characteristics, it is a popular boat, with over 15000 having been built.
With a hull weight of 79 kilos, it is nice and easy to manoeuvre on land, especially with the help of a crew. And the versatility of a spinnaker, trapeze, and the possibility of sailing (under a force 3) singlehanded, it is a good boat, and has been well designed.
For pictures, please see: http://fireballsailing.org.uk/gallery/gallery.php
And for more information: http://fireballsailing.org.uk/index.php
The modern wide-bowed boats are the fastest, giving a handicap of 980, which used to be only achievable in heavy weather, and the fireball can now get planning sooner.
Winder are currently the maker of the fastest fireballs, with severn sailboats not far behind.
The fireball is a fun boat, has lovely smooth sailing characteristics, and is nice and balanced. It was also pioneering, the design based on large scows sailed in Canada, the boat is one of the few boats which popularised the scow shape more around the globe. And, due to the sailing characteristics, it is a popular boat, with over 15000 having been built.
With a hull weight of 79 kilos, it is nice and easy to manoeuvre on land, especially with the help of a crew. And the versatility of a spinnaker, trapeze, and the possibility of sailing (under a force 3) singlehanded, it is a good boat, and has been well designed.
For pictures, please see: http://fireballsailing.org.uk/gallery/gallery.php
And for more information: http://fireballsailing.org.uk/index.php
Friday 17 May 2013
An icon?
The laser, being the world's second most popular boat, with sail numbers recently having reached over 200,000 is almost a controversial boat. With many saying how great it is - due to the fantastic fleet racing, yet others saying that it has essentially grown too big for its own good. With this being shown by the recent suing by Bruce Kirby, of Laser Performance, which has led to a name change to the Kirby Torch.
Despite all this, the laser is still a fun boat to sail, and is bound to be found at most sailing clubs around the world. And (of course) is just fantastic for fleet racing. And in the right conditions is a fun ride. But why, other then the reasons for fleet racing, has the laser been such a success.
Well, the laser, when it was first produced, it was a great value, and good introduction to sailing, (an example of this, is that the laser, was the first boat I owned) being pretty fast, and yet at the same time nice and easy to sail and rig. But, if you are an already accomplished sailor, then why go for this. Well, like most boats, the laser is very tricky to sail well, so it does also present its challenges. This is why, I am guessing, the laser has been chosen for the Olympics.
Anyway, now onto some facts, the laser was designed by Bruce, in 1971, and has proved to be a success. The boat is 14' long, and was designed to be an easily car top-able boat. Hence the lightweight hull of just 56 kilos, and with a two piece mast, the laser was an instant hit.
Here are some photos of me sailing my laser - the yellow hull (with the wrong sail numbers) in St Malo, France.
Thursday 16 May 2013
The Mirror
Day 3.
Today, is the world's third most popular boat, with over 70,000 built, it is....yes you've guessed it!
The mirror.
The Mirror was Jack Holt's most favourite design of dinghy, designed in 1962, it was a mixture of Barry Bucknell (a well known DIY expert) and Jack Holt who brought about the mirror. Barry was asked by the BBC, on his show, to build a boat. So, that is exactly what he set about doing. However, his first design wasn't a huge success, so the BBC called on Jack to design a boat for them. Barry's design, was a light hull, with a full bermudan rig, with a high aspect board. This made the boat, too 'racey', and exciting, for the wanted target audience. So, Jack built and designed the mirror, by adding freeboard and rocker, which reduced the boats performance. The mirror was one of the first boats to be built using the 'stitch and glue' technique, which gives a light, yet pretty stiff hull, which made Ken Littledyke's boat building methods popular.
This is what became the mirror.
The Mirror really is the do it all boat. It can be cruised, raced, motored, one or two up, with use of a spinnaker, and just had fun in...
In recent times, a rule change to the class, has had the gaff rig replaced with a bermudan rig, although both the gaff rig and bermudan rig are both still class legal.
It was claimed you could buy the plans or a kit, and build the boat with in 100 hours work, and you were promised, in the end, a boat that would sail well.
But the story doesn't end there.....
Unfortunately, I can't find any pictures of a mirror, so I will give the link to some:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106591734736276159098/albums/5523779178833272209?banner=pwa
And for anymore information on the mirror, please visit: http://www.ukmirrorsailing.com/index.php
Today, is the world's third most popular boat, with over 70,000 built, it is....yes you've guessed it!
The mirror.
The Mirror was Jack Holt's most favourite design of dinghy, designed in 1962, it was a mixture of Barry Bucknell (a well known DIY expert) and Jack Holt who brought about the mirror. Barry was asked by the BBC, on his show, to build a boat. So, that is exactly what he set about doing. However, his first design wasn't a huge success, so the BBC called on Jack to design a boat for them. Barry's design, was a light hull, with a full bermudan rig, with a high aspect board. This made the boat, too 'racey', and exciting, for the wanted target audience. So, Jack built and designed the mirror, by adding freeboard and rocker, which reduced the boats performance. The mirror was one of the first boats to be built using the 'stitch and glue' technique, which gives a light, yet pretty stiff hull, which made Ken Littledyke's boat building methods popular.
This is what became the mirror.
The Mirror really is the do it all boat. It can be cruised, raced, motored, one or two up, with use of a spinnaker, and just had fun in...
In recent times, a rule change to the class, has had the gaff rig replaced with a bermudan rig, although both the gaff rig and bermudan rig are both still class legal.
It was claimed you could buy the plans or a kit, and build the boat with in 100 hours work, and you were promised, in the end, a boat that would sail well.
But the story doesn't end there.....
Unfortunately, I can't find any pictures of a mirror, so I will give the link to some:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106591734736276159098/albums/5523779178833272209?banner=pwa
And for anymore information on the mirror, please visit: http://www.ukmirrorsailing.com/index.php
Wednesday 15 May 2013
Day 2
The 505.
In 1953, the beginnings of the 505 were being dreamt up by John Westell. The idea, started with the 18' coronet, but it wasn't until 1954 when John Westell, was told by the Caneton Association of France, to redesign the boat, and so dramatic changes were made, and this made the 5.05m (16'6") boat (hence the name). The 505, despite the fact I have never actually sailed one, I have heard that it is such blend of controls, rig design, and the iconic flared sides the 505; is a very well balanced boat, and is fast as well, with a powerful rig, and planing hull shape, thus, it's handicap is 902, so is very quick. So, it is no wonder why the 505 has fallen in the hearts of those who sail it, and no wonder as to why the sail number has recently gone over 9000.
The 505, is a great heavy weather boat, as you can see in the photo, which shows how well balanced and well designed the boat is. With 14 square metres of upwind sail, and 26 square metres of spinnaker, the 505 is a powerful boat, with a fast planing hull shape, it can reach exhilarating speeds.
Again, I look forward to revealing tomorrow's boat. And I look forward to discussing more designs in the future.
Many thanks, to David Henshall, for the photo.
In 1953, the beginnings of the 505 were being dreamt up by John Westell. The idea, started with the 18' coronet, but it wasn't until 1954 when John Westell, was told by the Caneton Association of France, to redesign the boat, and so dramatic changes were made, and this made the 5.05m (16'6") boat (hence the name). The 505, despite the fact I have never actually sailed one, I have heard that it is such blend of controls, rig design, and the iconic flared sides the 505; is a very well balanced boat, and is fast as well, with a powerful rig, and planing hull shape, thus, it's handicap is 902, so is very quick. So, it is no wonder why the 505 has fallen in the hearts of those who sail it, and no wonder as to why the sail number has recently gone over 9000.
The 505, is a great heavy weather boat, as you can see in the photo, which shows how well balanced and well designed the boat is. With 14 square metres of upwind sail, and 26 square metres of spinnaker, the 505 is a powerful boat, with a fast planing hull shape, it can reach exhilarating speeds.
Again, I look forward to revealing tomorrow's boat. And I look forward to discussing more designs in the future.
Many thanks, to David Henshall, for the photo.
Tuesday 14 May 2013
The first day....
For those who know me, it will be of little surprise as to what is the first dinghy on this list, and of course it is the ICOD. I haven't chosen the AC, due to the fact the ICOD is the boat that (having watched many videos on youtube), inspired me to sail an international canoe.
The first IC's appeared around the 1860's (or there about), and since then a lot of development has taken place. The current ICOD's have a handicap of around 905, so they are very quick, and designed by Peter Nethercott (around 1969?), it is (despite the age of the design) still a great ride, and has set the design for all current AC's (but this story if for another day). In recent times, the IC has taken a new path with development canoe's, like the pre-nerthercott boats (but again, this is for a different day), and there are even talks of putting spinnakers on these boats, like Andy Patterson's XC.
The racing circuit of the IC's also has the worlds second oldest, still going strong, race. This of course being the New York Cup, which is raced with three boats from the defending country, and three from the challenging country. And this race is unusual, in the way that the first boat to cross the line is the winner. It is held at every world championships.
So, thanks for reading, and I look forward to discussing more boat designs with you in the near future.
Unfortunately I have no pictures of an ICOD (as I currently sail an AC), but in the mean time, I will post a link to them, although, here is a picture of me on the sliding seat hiking out, so you get a picture of what an IC looks like from the centre of the boat. Of course, this is an AC, but it has the same hull shape.
Here are some pictures of an ICOD: http://www.intcanoe.org.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=2
For more information on the international canoe, please visit www.intcanoe.org
The first IC's appeared around the 1860's (or there about), and since then a lot of development has taken place. The current ICOD's have a handicap of around 905, so they are very quick, and designed by Peter Nethercott (around 1969?), it is (despite the age of the design) still a great ride, and has set the design for all current AC's (but this story if for another day). In recent times, the IC has taken a new path with development canoe's, like the pre-nerthercott boats (but again, this is for a different day), and there are even talks of putting spinnakers on these boats, like Andy Patterson's XC.
The racing circuit of the IC's also has the worlds second oldest, still going strong, race. This of course being the New York Cup, which is raced with three boats from the defending country, and three from the challenging country. And this race is unusual, in the way that the first boat to cross the line is the winner. It is held at every world championships.
So, thanks for reading, and I look forward to discussing more boat designs with you in the near future.
Unfortunately I have no pictures of an ICOD (as I currently sail an AC), but in the mean time, I will post a link to them, although, here is a picture of me on the sliding seat hiking out, so you get a picture of what an IC looks like from the centre of the boat. Of course, this is an AC, but it has the same hull shape.
For more information on the international canoe, please visit www.intcanoe.org
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