Dorade is wonderful boat that has found a loving owner. But she was too narrow when she was first conceived and it is a flaw she will carry all of her life. Her early success was just as likely due to the skill of those sailing her as well the departure from traditional design. She still causes people to pause when her name is mentioned.
TOO NARROW
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STEVE,
I think you are being harsh. Olin designed her for specific purposes. She kicked butt in her inaugural TranAtlantic and again last weekend in Heinken, 82 years apart. She is a boat who needs to be canvassed properly, and off the breeze the will rock and roll breaking surface tension to sail above hull speed. On the breeze, she needs to be reefed or shortened carefully; unlike Finnisterre who is FAT and sails through squalls under full sail going like a rabbit! I do not think Dorade unsafe, so let’s give proper credit to her and to the wonderful grandchildren that she spawned.
Peter
She looks good in the video. What consequence(s) does this flaw bring about? Bill
Steve,
Dorade is a good boat and her narrowness allows her to cut through the seas when canvassed / balanced properly.With that said, I do not discount your remarks.
In the end, It is all about the crew. The history of Dorade illustrates this simple truth.
Thanks!