Understanding hull cross section shape independent of foils In the following discussion we will look at the principles influencing cross section shape.  As mentioned in Part 1, the extremely high length to beam (slenderness) ratio of each A Cat hull reduces the relative importance of wave making drag as a component of total drag....Read More

   Key dimensions   Length: 5.49m (18’) Beam: 2.3m (7’ 6½”) Weight fully rigged: 75Kg (165lb) Sail area: 13.94m2 (150ft2) Crew: One person      Rig and power management   Though relatively narrow for a catamaran, righting moment is good thanks to the skipper being on trapeze.  The wide staying base and lack of a...Read More

In previous posts I expressed my motivation (why) and approach to new projects (how). I stated the importance of clearly identifying the needs of the user, and talked about the effectiveness of working to a congruent brief. These beliefs drive quality. They will be shared by all who value passion applied with focus to create...Read More

   Clarity in belief and intent   This post is a personal reflection on why I do what I do, sparked on the occasion of taking on a new challenge.  Why we take on a project is driven by our values and beliefs.  I value quality in design and execution because it makes the user...Read More

I have often made the point that rules are as much a driver in the development of racing sailboats as any other factor.  Access to manufacturing technology, knowledge of materials, power of computation, the accumulation of empirical knowledge, fashion, and the evolution of athletic technique all catalyse within the boundaries of the design space* as...Read More

I found the following interesting enough to post and comment on. It is an open letter to the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) by somebody who was associated with a credible prospective competitor.  Given my experiences as part of an official competitor that found the ever changing new format untenable, I would broadly agree with the...Read More

During this year dominated by AC preparations, Carbonicboats simmered along with a couple of architectural projects, aerospace consultancy, assorted mods and optimisation jobs for clients, RC yacht development, and lately some limited work on our A Cat test platform. Personally I took every opportunity to get out on the water on multihulls big and small,...Read More

Needless to say, this turn of events was surprising and extremely disappointing because the athletic and technical sides of the team had grown to be truly formidable.The record shows the calibre of the names involved. Perhaps more importantly in such a collaborative undertaking, promising constructive relationships were growing within the group. The sailing and shore...Read More

Fortunately, the chance arose to apply these lessons when Carbonicboats was hired almost immediately by the then Official Challenger from Italy. Having done my homework on their funding, management, and philosophy, I was impressed by the commercial approach they advocated and (vitally) comfortable that the backing was in place to implement the strategies they had...Read More

It is that time of the year again: summer (Southern Hemisphere) and fast approaching festivities to welcome 2012… I thought it timely to reflect on 2011 and update the blog that has been somewhat neglected among the hectic activities during this very interesting year. It has certainly been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows....Read More