Two Boat Testing

After 7/8 hours of two boat testing this weekend, what have we learnt about Craig's new designs.

This weekend saw the lower and upper wind limit for the B rig which is not quite what we wanted. The narrow design I mentioned in a previous post is really for light wind conditions so we have not been able to see its real potential in the desired conditions.

However we learnt that the narrow design was balanced, cut through waves upwind, had no bad habits and worked its way through gusts extremely well both upwind and downwind. It performed well against the Alioth and the post chimera design. We have yet to see the performance of the rebuilt broken blue boat which we believe to be quicker following what we saw last weekend.

The narrow boat could use less buoyance in the aft end so that will need to be modified and tested.

Think about this - In a design race, Craig has designed built and tested 3 boats so far with a fourth on the way in the space for about 5 weeks. 3D printing is mature for IOM design and build. Of course if needed, once a design is finalised, a mould could be produced and hulls build out of glass epoxy. However when the mast, fin box and fordeck reinforcement can be printed into the hull, why would you want to go back to manual development where you have to stick all the bits together? WIth a glass sheath, the hull is as stiff and light as an epoxy hull.

A contrast in designs (see picture below). On the right is the Alioth. The left hull is the first attempt at a narrower design with a light weather focus. To achieve the right buoyancy within the 60mm draft rule, Craig has to flatten out the hull which increases surface area. The deck is modified to get the booms as close as possible. Considering this was a starting point and we have only sailed it for a few hours, the design is showing great potential

Getting the booms as low as possible. This was my blue boat before I dropped it. Craig has created a nice Aero deck making for an elegant efficient look.

Next steps are to finish off my boat with rigs and then get out and test against broader competition, probably starting at Datchet and then Hampton Court. Can't wait.

A Merry Christmas to anyone who reads this and I wish you all the success for 2025