Ref:
http://www.schionningdesigns.com.au/www/page.cfm?pageID=263


Looks like Schionning designs in Australia has a new A-cat coming (apparently also available for homebuilding?)

Looks like they have taken volume distribution to extremes (or are that planing surfaces low down at the bows?). But I found the rig to be the largest difference from the current accepted go-fast gear. It reminds me of ORMA60 (or formula-28) rigs, spreaderless and double set of stays. Whats your opinion, Bill and others?

Personally, I think they have gone too far with the hulls, and not far enough with the rig (I would have liked to see some pre-bend buildt into the spreaderless mast, and some taper). I liked the beams, especially the aft beam, but dont know how sound it is structurally/stiffness wise.

I'd imagine the lower stays would be adjustable at the front like the Paper Tiger which will give greater control over pre bend. I think it is quiet and exciting rig and look forward to seeing more of it.

Cheers

It's always good to see some original thinking on designs. For some really unique rigs, check out:

http://www.wyliecat.com/

I spent an afternoon chasing the Wyliecat 44 prototype around Monterey Bay on my Taipan--wow, what an innovative rig.

Ahh, I did not study the data hard enough. There is 15mm pre-bend buildt into the mast..

Yes indeed an amzing rig. A giant windsurfing setup. I wonder how this would suit a catamaran platform.

I seem to remember this type of rig being called a wishbone rig and I remember the first use back in the 80's.

Wouter

I remember a smaller one from the '70s or '80s, but this one was well known.
http://www.sailamerica.com/halloffame/freedom40.cfm

I don't know if it's apparent on the Wyliecat web site, but the rigs are unstayed, tapered carbon masts--very interesting to look at in person.

So are the masts on the Freedom 40 - Early masts were Aluminium, later ones were Carbon The boat I remember was smaller - either 22ft or 26ft.

I sailed a Catapult www.catapultcats.com for 6 seasons in the '80s, so I noticed other wishboom rigs The Catapult was technically an A Class cat.