[MHml] Bottoms, Proas and Biplanes

[Rob Denney]

  G'day,

  2. Saw the Harry Proa in a backyard in Rockland, Maine and it appeared to be doing nothing and the wife said is was leaving very soon.  Any further info?
  No news from here, but I would appreciate anything anyone hears.  What condition was the boat in?


  3. Have answered several questions about biplane rigs from persons interested in them and have concluded they are a good idea for the purpose of crowding on as much sail area as possibe for top speed in high wind as with the Kettleman tri fouler.  Where the idea seems deficient is is light air where the objective, particularly for a cat, should be to get some sail area up into the light air that is moving.  Lots of sail area down low is a waste in this situation.  The old schooneer guys had the right idea with the removable topmasts.  I think the practical solution for a cat is a very tall stick with a very easily reefed mainsail.

  Certainly is, and if it is unstayed then a) there is less weight and windage up there, and b) the top flexes in the puffs so reefing is less necessary.  Telescopic (aka as very complex removable topmast ;-)) also has some possibilities and is relatively easy without stays.  Even easier without a jib.   We are doing some work on this, both for my solo Transpac boat and for the 20m/66 footers currently being built in Norway.  Both boats have wing masts, which should make it easier.


  regards,

  Rob


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