Hi Mary

Think I saw that boat in the classified section a couple years ago in FL.
Sailed by Randy in the 88 W 1000 i think -It was described as a smashed down hull shape --much wider and lower ,but think it suffered similar problems of heel not allowing it to plane at higher speed and being much slower below speed .
Flat large hull area creates drag -don't think we have seen a real successfull design yet .
It will take a great amount of experimentation to perfect such a revolutionary cat design ,-but we see elements required for it by observing other planning design -boards skiffs etc .
It will have to be a refined compromise between the two types ,-narrow enough to be fast ,-but enough flat forward hull angled area to plan at a reasonable speed .--
We have some existing hull design approaching this type of shape in the Inter line . flat wide forward sections ,but not enough yet to really plane , though some skippers on high speed reaches have felt this particular cat to get up and feel really skiddish across the top in flat water ,--it has 6 degree angled hulls ,-not quite enough of either area or hull angle but indications are it is getting close .

One fun aspect when one does hit the market is it will be slower in light air then take off in higher wind --kind of a rating nightmare like foilers are .a wind speed mod factor may double its base rating number ,-really put R C on the spot calling with B factor to use ,-then take its initial number ,-set in low wind -or high speed ,-there is nothing to gauge by
Class racing -maybe it will be the HT Formula 20 class of the future-

The boat ideally may be a 20 ftr or more -
larger beam or wings to add sail carrying power -
light weight ,
mast aft design -C E way back towards the stern like N-6/0s -more than 50 %
plenty of mast rake -
It may use small foil type forward boards to help balance the chute effects used only when set --A Cirrus design is showing us the way there .

longer pole and distance to aft set and raked mast .
flat forward planning hull shapes
Larger -dagger type retractable rudders -much larger that may replace the boards altogether -except the spin boards -
retractable to allow balance adjustment at different speeds and angles of sail and needed to balance the aft mast C E position ,-That needed to allow as much bow as possible to absorb forward and downward forces of the sail -
Sail area would be targeted to max. with beam at mid range as most are now which will produce some great spectacular crashes at the higher wind range -
If you desired a cat to break speed records you would place a very small sailplan on it and take it out in 30 knot winds

design and experimenting would be so much fun -
just need to hit the lotto -
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If we really want a spectacular show on high speed cats for T V and media in a professional setting again this type of cat would be it ,-raced in the breezyest areas around the world -

have fun
Carl




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