Swift Solo

Originally posted by 49erGBR735HSC

Jim C said 
“And a wider deck beam boat will always be faster than a narrower boat until it gets way into major control problems”……

Actually a wider deck beam will always be slower and harder to manage until the wind velocity / sail area exceeds the available righting moment.  The real problem with wide beams in single handers occurs in light to medium gusty winds.  Once you are overpowered, you can stay out on the wire without moving in the lulls by simply de-powering the rig and playing the sails.  This is especially true with the Swift because the sheeting system and the on-the-water adjustability. Eight inches of sheet play will neutralize nearly any gust. 

“So there's some evidence to suggest that "too wide t handle" is not really kicking in at Musto Skiff/RS700 beam…...”

 Again, too wide to handle occurs at the full out traping threshold—around 10 knots of breeze in many single handed trap skiffs

“But I'll bet its possible to go faster than any of them. I also am beginning to have my doubts about very big sails: I have an idea that dinghies are starting to approach the sort of performance area where efficiency is becoming more important than brute power. After all how much rag is that AC carrying uphill?”

No doubt that you can build a single handed trap boat that will go faster than the Swift.  The real question is—will it go faster and remain tactical or will it simply be another “bang the corners---one trick pony” that tacks and gybes like a cat?  The picture is of Charlie McKee in USA 001 (the prototype—still had cut down 49er mast and sails).  After just 45 minutes in the Swift Charlie could gybe from wire to wire faster than any boat / sailor I’ve ever watched.  The closed wing / high boom /  and run through deck contribute to making the Swift a boat that is so tactical that you need to play even the small shifts if you expect to win. 

I suspect that the AC would be faster in 8 knots of breeze if it had more sail area?  Remember, the vast majority of major regattas worldwide are held in winds that average between 5 and 15 knots.

Dennis said
“didn't mean the 9er resemblance to be a bad thing, on the contrary I believe it to be good................. the stuff about beating 14s and 49ers was said jestfully and I hope the boat is successful in meeting its aims”.

Dennis, I didn’t read your post as a negative thing.  Your observation is correct since the boat looks a bit Bethwaite for the reasons stated.  We need to get you out in a Swift.  49er sailors can step into the Swift and make it look really easy quickly.  You’d find it far easier to bear away and gybe in a blow (I suspect that has more to do with the fact that the entire crews mind is directly connected to the tiller than the boat itself --dancing alone is easier).    

Rupert said
“As a wooden boat sailor who is too cowardly to sail any of these boats (I have my hands full with a 1960's sliding seat ToY) I have to say the Swift Solo in those on the stands pics just looks amazing. Whether she is faster, or otherwise, who cares, just to be sailing a boat that looks that pretty and yet still is up there with the fastest bits of gel coat around must be a great feeling.”

Thanks Rupert—it has been more fun than should be legal.  Be careful though, to call the Swift a “wooden boat” is to call the Musto and the Voodoo “foam boats” (you’ll likely get flamed).  The Swift does have a wood core but with s-glass on the outside and carbon / Kevlar on the inside of the composite sandwich.  Most other skiffs are e-glass skins over a foam core. 

Bram