Class 40, Atlantic Cup.

- This new event, in its second year, is a success. To have been able to attract 15 boats on this side of the Atlantic, for what is essentially a European sort of thing is a major achievement. The double-handed race started in Charleston to New-York city, then on to Newport. I like the Class, the size, the speed, the concept. I drew one a few years ago to get a sense of the design, and the following text will give you an idea behind the thinking. I am always updating the basic plans as time goes on to get abreast of the evolution of this class.

- The Class 40 Tango follows parameters set by the Box rule, to the maximum of all dimensions.
The result is a platform with a fine entry, a wide beam, and a transom. The shallow Veed stern is carried all the way forward to the midsection at a constant angle to keep the buttocks as straight and flat as possible. A true chine boat. The lines are carried towards the bow in a deep and sharp section. The overall simplicity of the hull shape hides the reasons behind everything.

- The twin outboard rudders, placed well to the sides are out of the wake exit and are perpendicular to the bottom angle. In case of hitting something, the rudders swing aft, thanks to a "fuse" line built into the system.

- The keel is designed to carry all of its lead into the shape of the bulb for maximum stability. The blade is designed to maximize the aspect ratio available with an optimized sweepback angle.

- The sail plan represents an effort to place the mast as far aft as dictated by balancing the rig with the below waterline appendages.

- The deck plan reflects the need for sailing the boat single or double-handed with the necessity of getting protection from the elements.

- The Accommodation Plan in its simplicity offers a couple of options, all within the same building for a strong structure.

Here we go. "

Mystic Seaport.

I do not know if you know about the Mystic Seaport. Above and beyond the Slave ship, Whale boat and the Fisherman Schooner, the place has a special section with 100000 Boat Plans inherited from the Masters of my profession. Buy the Book/Catalogue and drool. Recently, I purchased a couple of decorative prints from 1916.

CARTER 37

YDRA the Prototype.

Misty day in Newport.

- Athena is in town. I had to take a photo about this arguably the prettiest, most expensive private sailboat in the world.

- Funny, at the same time a client for whom I am designing a 105' Motor Yacht, sent me pictures of another three masthead schooner. What a contrast. Someone said: "Design is what you see". I admit Athena is not in the same category, with Huisman for builder and astronomical cost associated with such a vessel. But still, no matter looks count. Get a good Yacht Architect.

Boat and Store.

- I see a good idea when I see one.

- How many times have you seen a "Thule" or others on a car top?

- Think about this new storage space as a boat upside down!

- Well, someone did it on a production scale. Boat and Store, or Store and Boat. Before you ask, yes I was consulted. But the infusion molding part was over my head. Anyway, I can see others, canoes, kayaks, having the same treatment, being part of storage.

- Of course, there is a weight limit consideration before you capsize your SUV.

Circus Maximus

TYD#773 

- Note: Check also, Bermuda Race 2018- (1978) on this blog Search.

- The other day, I found on the Steve Lirakis Blog these two photos from a long time ago. Circus-Maximus was the third-largest ULDB ( Ultra Light Displacement Boat) built in the world. Coming after Infidel, aka Ragtime in New Zealand, and soon after Merlin on the West Coast. The photo gives you an idea of how light she is at 66'-6". The other image shows the two owners, Don Ritter and John Raby.

Formula f.10M.

- April 2, 2012
- The F.10 is the largest of the Formulae based on Sport Boats concept. Others are the 9M; 8M; 7M, 6M.
They have in commun a basic hull shape developed over years. A chine boat designed around day sailing, with performance on all points of sail.  The chines have been adopted for speed, not only on the water, but also in terms of construction where large panels are used throughout, minimizing the time to splice the boat together, making the F.10M. within the reach of a competent Amateur Builder.  The hull is one thing, but in order to achieve the goal towards simplicity, a flush deck has been chosen, along with a very large cockpit, all with the intention to achieve speed.