PROJECT WINDRIGGER - June 1998 installment

I launched Windrigger MK 2 during February 1998, configured as a non-reversing proa, powered by two 7sqm. sailboard sailrigs mounted in tandem and with the MKI dory-shape outrigger grafted onto the MK 2 hull - as shown above.

Photo 2 shows this craft powered by a 5 hp outboard.

The dory-outrigger was later replaced with the tubular outrigger shown in photos 3 and trialled on 9 June.

The following are impressions from the trials:

• Pacific-proa mode - sails fast, quick to fly the outrigger and appears to have good windward performance; . Atlantic- proa mode - feels much safer but produces much more spray with the bow wave of the tubular outrigger looking like that of a Polaris submarine; greater mechanical strains on the outrigger structure and bridgedeck;

• the hull - at speed also produces the Polaris bow wave and a stream of water flowing over the bow along the deck and into the foreward cockpit - needs a coaming. It goes through waves without noticeable pitching and with little loss of speed;

• sailrig - some backwinding of the mizzen sail by the 7 sqm foresail was noticeable when close-hauled. This was practically eliminated by replacing it with a 5.4sqm foresail. It runs easily before the wind with a sail set on each side of the hull;

• Outrigger - tubular outrigger with its ellipsoid ends produces less lateral wave-impacts than the dory outrigger. Its length and buoyancy seems adequate. Conclusions - The present non-reversable proa could with little further effort, be developed into a good fun-sailer; more effort could lead to a very fast and exciting proa; another hull and bridgedeck would provide a safe, fast and comfortable catamaran.