Tag: naval architecture

THE SHAPE OF SPEED

Many years ago I wondered why the evolution of yacht design moved so slowly. In the last ten years I am amazed how quickly shapes have changed.  Perhaps the most notable thing about the images is the obvious displacement of the boats shown. It is hard to conceive today, but these were the fastest boats of their day. I will also note that we ate rather well racing, not the freeze dried of today either. All of these boats shown were also built of aluminum, with the exception of “Outlaw”.

The video below is in sharp contrast to the boats shown above.

World Yacht Racing Forum

December 10-11 of this year was the first attempt to bring together Professionals in the Yachting Industry; held in Monaco. I will emphasize the word Professional; as that seems to be the true essence of the meeting. It was not about bringing more people into sailing, or how to build sailing as a sport but really about how to get the most bang for your buck in sailing.

Tim Jeffrey of the UK wrote most clearly about the meeting. Like Formula One Auto racing this group of people and the events in which they participate have very little impact on the sailing I am involved in, no matter how seriously I may wish to think of myself.