http://www.bowmansunion.com/portal/news/anmviewer.asp?a=1474&z=22 A mini Parlier 60 ! with wings etc . link above
A fasinating project / adventure race .
Parlier 60 ft cat link
http://www.parlier.org/site02/bateau/grand_bateau.html Interested in others comments on the 20 design version .
The diffeences between the 60 and 20 are numerous ,
most notable are hull proportion and no step in the 20 .
The radiused boards in the 20 -
Wings on the 20 -
questions on the following -
Righting system --airbag at mast top , -It would be interesting to read more about this ,--It must work in severe conditions when it is needed most .
Inflatable tent on wings --the test would be to take a firehose and hit the packed and fully rigged craft with it from all angles ,--anything not able to withstand that gets taken off or replaced .
Are added wings really needed with a 20 ft beam -
the weight and windage of these considerable -
With a 20 beam the side righting moment already exceeds anything the bows can take in downwind mode --
Wings on the Hobie 21 were very nice ,good seating , and the raised sleeping tent area concept is a good one ,-but there may be better simpler lighter ways to achieve this .
-It should be a predominantly downwind race in the tradewinds . Familiararity with a spin and handling is important , not sure about the doulble mast configuration for optimizing downwind potential . Do see a spin pole off one bow ,--
the other? -gibes etc seem time consuming switching sides .
A different rig may be considered .
The radiused boards are interesting ,-it gives 2 slot locations for them ,--one more forward ,--a tough change in high seas . Hope they pack spares aboard ,-and some rudders .
Sail reef systems --future review .
Some areas of concern , this is a prototype , so we will see revision to the design concepts as sea trials begin
It will be fasinating to watch , --wonder if they will be building additional 20s . hmmm -
Anyone up for this next year ? It would be fun to present a race challenge and start the TransAtlantic Challenge Cup .
Sponsors -needed .
Carl
