Thursday, February 25, 2010

Catamaran Surfing - Awesome

I came across this video posted on the Multihulls Magazine web site that I just had to share.  This video shows a brave sailor taking on some big waves.  Didn't know Catamarans could surf.


Thursday, February 18, 2010

A Little Time Out to Dream

Occasionally I find time to search the web for anything new in the Catamaran world. Since I am still not yet able to live the dream I settle for watching and researching more about the dreams others are already living. In my search today I came across some information that is new to me and I felt very unique and worth sharing.

The SMG Multihull company has done something that I have not yet seen on a Catamaran. When you watch the video, like I did, you might notice something is missing. Where is that dangerous boom that I am sure every sailor has been hit by at least once. Guess what? It doesn't have one. It has two roller furling jibs instead. Talk about keeping it simple and safe. My only question is, is there a hit on overall performance with this design. Other then that I think there are many advantages.

They are using what they call an A-mast which you can read more about on their website. Here is a summary of the Advantages according to them.

Advantages of the A-frame rig:
  • Easy sail reefing with roller furler - possible on any course!
  • Safety at all maneuvers in all weather conditions. Nobody has to watch out for the dangerous boom.
  • All the sailing operations can get done in the safe center cockpit.
  • Best approaching flow for main sail and jib on close hauled course.

I am no expert on the price of replacing a mainsail, but I suspect this would add savings over time when the sail has to be replaced. It should be real easy to stow the sails for extended periods to keep them out of the sun i would imagine.

I also like that this Cat is powered by a Hybrid Diesel Electric Engine. I figure the more that adopt newer and more efficient propulsion systems, the closer I'll be to enjoying fossil fuel free sailing. They also made this comment "Future orientated. In some years the diesel generator can be exchanged with the environment-friendly fuel cell". I like it!

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