Additionally, the I-20 daggerboards operate under 100 kg sideways load when a 150 kg crew is double trapped and lifting the luff hull while sailing straight. During cornering the loads can easily increase significantly. I'm guessing by as much as another 100 kg.

But the best story I have is of some prototype Blade F16 daggerboard. These same maker did the daggerboards for the 2007 Alter Cup Blades. He tested a new way of producing the boards. The new ones are 1.6 kg per boards (less then 4 lbs) and are theirfor about halve the weight of an (minimum weight) F18 daggerboard (as required by their class rules). He challenged me to jump up and down on the tip with the board clamped in tight and raised above the floor. I dared not to make a real effort so he said :"let me do it". No he is a 100 kg guy (220 lbs) and I say him oscillate up an down by as much as 10 inches, on the very tip, and the board took it without any complaints.

That is when I realized what kind of loads these boards can take when they are well designed and produced with great care. It was very impressive. But I don't think all catamaran builders put the same amount of attention into their products; So I'm still not advicing you to try this at home !

Wouter