It has been a while since the latest posting. However, the development of the boat is ongoing. Many small and large things have changed. For instance, the A-mast has been changed into a single mast. The board have been redesigned a number of times, based on testing with the scale model.
With the scale model, a number of tests with a counter weight of 5kg have been carried out in wind speeds of 20-22 knots. This is actually quite demanding, because the scale model only has one rudder as control. It goes without saying that we crashed the scale model a couple of times, but that is not really a problem.
What is more, the first steps toward building a real boat are underway. The decision has been made to buil a one person boat first. There are several reasons for this decision. One is that it was much easier to obtain a complete rig for a one person boat. Such a rig only needs to be about 12,5 m2 and is available off the shelf. We purchased a Gaastra Vapor 12.5 m2. A two-person rig would need to be about 24m2 and would need to be developed from scratch. The same applies for the foils. For a one person boat, the foils can be purchsed off the shelf.
Another reason is the financial aspect. A one person boat is more cost-effective and still providea a good opportunity to show the speed potential of the boat. It will be fully functional.
Moreover, it is to be expected that after the boat is completed, the subsequent testing will bring further insights which would require further modifications. This is also much simpler and more affordable in a one person boat.
In any case the rig has been bought and modified so that it can be supported by the mast. We expect to start building the frame and finboxes in October 2016. The Dutch company Assemblae is willing to partner with us in building the frame.
Once the frame and finboxes are finished and tested for strength and stiffness, we can also test the rig and the turning procedure.
Next, the boards can be made. Flikkaboards is willing to make the boards on our specification. Perhaps the first boat can be on the water in about a year.
Looking forward to it! There will probably be many challenges aong the way, but that is part of the fun.
Regards,
Walter
