[Boatmik]

Originalmente publicado por Questionsailing

I saw the photos in your gallery, and every pdracer have a different sailplan.

Why?

What about the balance at the helm?

Cheers from Cadiz bay!

First of all I would like to apologise for the computer spanish on my website.

I wish there was a better method.

The purpose of the PDRacer is as an introductory boat that is simple and much cheaper than any alternative. However it incorporates many modern ideas in construction and rig design to get maximum performance but without the excessive cost of most modern boats.

The PDRacer class allows a great deal of experimentation. Many people play with different boat configurations. Sails/masts/foils.

I originally chose an unsupported flexible mast as it is the simplest in many ways.

However I had some requests about using a balance lug to reduce the length of the mast. So there is a free (no cost) download for the new sail and spars (mast etc). Plans are only $20 in line with the cheap nature of the class.

I am a professional designer so I make sure that the boat will balance under the new configuration.

I have also made a lot of information available to show how traditional sail types can produce excellent performance by using the philosophy of modern rigs. But the cost can be much lower.
http://www.storerboatplans.com/Faq/t...rformance.html


This is my sailing canoe. In local races it can race round a course at a similar speed to a Laser in most winds. I have learned a lot about traditional rigs from this process.

Since drawing a lug rig the the PDRacer some people in the USA have asked for me to check if a common sail for the "Sunfish Class" boat will work - so I calculated out the position of that sail to make it balance as well. So that is the Lateen type sail and rig. It has less sail area than the other two rigs but is a convenient choice for some people.

So three types of rigs for the OZ PDR. "Sprit" (the tallest mast and maybe best performance), Balance Lug, and Lateen. All have a tiny cost compared to conventional raceboat rigs.

I am pleased to be speaking to a person from Cadiz - a place with a strong nautical tradition!

Best wishes
Michael Storer