- In a few days, the Everest of Sailing is starting. Non-stop round the world, no assistance aboard 60' boats handled by a single person. The following has been written September 17, 2010, and originally published by: httP://www.sailinganarchy.com The Open Class 60's has always been for me one of the most interesting sailing vessels ever conceived. In her scope, her goal, her pace, along with the stamina of her single-handed Driver. So, over the years, I have compiled a maximum of data, information, and designs to create and expand with an ongoing R&D for the beast. The boat is designed with the Vendee Globe in mind. Therefore, the total aspect of the design has to be considered for this Marathon at sea. Ergonomically, simplicity, functionality, and speed.
- The shape has a few peculiarities. A "Potemkin" bow allows a fine water entry, and the reverse curve of the bow gives a wide, drier deck for a strong base to the permanent installation of the bowsprit. The rest of the boat is built on a chined platform, wide in beam and almost wider at the transom. The chine separates the water, breaks the wetted area downwind while optimizing the placement of water ballast for upwind stability and downwind trim. The flat Veed stern narrows the waterline for a less sticky transom while keeping the buttocks as straight and flat as possible.
The lines are carried towards the bow in a deep and sharp section to give some grip to the water when going upwind. The slight reverse curve given to the sheerline delays the incoming water and reduces the freeboard aft. The deck features the interesting double companionway, separated by a trench. First seen on a Mini Transat 6.5 M in 1991, this arrangement permits centralizing the lines coming from the mast and cleaner side decks. I also needed, in my case, to give strong support to the boom vang/combination. The two entries offer protection to the helmsman and a better view when steering.
- 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 platform is designed to maximize the aspect ratio available with an optimized sweepback angle. But the most important part has to be the integrity and strength that have to be given to this heavily loaded pendulum keel. The curved dagger boards are placed as far outboard as possible in order to take advantage of their higher aspect ratio to produce lift with increased stability and less leeway.
- The Sail Plan represents an effort to place the mast as far aft as dictated by balancing the rig with the appendages. The column stability of the rotating mast is managed by a three-diamond wire system, much preferred in my view, to outriggers. The Main flat top is in line with what is the norm now. The large fore triangle is divided to accommodate four different distributions of the available sail area within the ten sails permitted. I would like to think that the overall design conveys a desire to achieve the best possibilities and straightforwardness with wherewithal.
