Hybrid !

Part of the attraction 'Hybrid' is the freedom to evolve a boat without the strictures of a CA and a rule book hovering in the background or any commercial pressure.  As it is now it is both therapeutic and fun.  While it still involves a bit of basic design at this stage it is now more about general problem solving and refinement... If I had time and financial pressures to 'finish' or meet a particular commercial deadline it would inevitably represent more pressure than fun really.    The market is largely trashed for quite a while so there is no current rush at all.... As I've said already 'you never say no' but if it does develop in time to be 'tempting' that will be in part because I'm not tied to anyone’s programme or commercial agenda at this time.  In other words the boat will be all the better for an atypical, much longer than normal, development period. I recognise this is an unusual luxury at a very unusual time.  However if it goes in a non-commercial direction then that is fine as well.

Back to basics ... Another session on Friday afternoon planned today, again rig oriented.  It really does like plenty of rake and it is proving very easy now to sail extremely high and a tad quicker than expected.  But if you do 'foot off' a bit upwind the VMG is still v.good if not better... Nice to have both options on the water.  Will also stick with the smaller centreboard for now.  The size reduction tried last time had no -ve effects and some drag reduction will be in there... as will be a small weight cut.  The other area of work being planned is a mod to the hiking part of the gunwhales...hinted at previously. They will be shaped to be better for hiking and the side deck extended / flared by 50-60mm each side in this area .  The central spine of the boat makes a fantastic 'kick-bar' already but a little more width in the key upwind hiking area will compliment this to make for a very comfortable hiking position.   It is an admission I think we are just about there with the initial rig and foils + general balance .. so now time to start considering 'comfort' and controls.  So next week (after yet another session on Sunday)  it will be time for a return to the workshop.  Epoxy /Glass / Carbon  and tad of marine ply and paint will be involved ... just hope I've got enough latex gloves left- you just can't buy them that easily at the moment...!   Should be able to turn it around in 4-5 days with right prior planning and preparation ...