Devotti Single Hander

Agree with several of the points made about what would be needed in a new boat..

Upwind performance not far off a 300 - around the track sub 100 PY - race fireballs / 400s etc respectably - jim points out the issues of going faster, really narrow on the w/l and loads of leverage: The 300 was really a 14ft magnum 5 - and I would think (although it sounds good to me!) a kite on a 300 style boat might be step too far for any sensible sized market!!

Proper high quality racer, probably epoxy, centreboard and lifting rudder. Not too out and out skiffy - wants to be a delight in the light and shifty - like the 300. Mainsheet well forward.

At least shrouds and spreaders for downwind, but emulate the upwind look of the 300 - or mabe a lowish forestay for some rig control.

Leverage means rubular wings or moulded wings (think EPS, but pretty)- the latter would be really comfortable, but the B14 and Blaze use tubes - are these comfortable enough?

70-95kg sailors - plenty of lightweights boats and Finn, Phantom, Blaze100 above that.

Personally I prefer performance equalisation of some sort - wings could slide - or you could have differing size sails - or Iso style detachable wings - 2 groups - the 600 made that work?

Above all, has to look great - bit of boat park pride always sends you home with a warm feeling!

going back to Ians original post - I do know that Luca Devoti is developing a new singlehander - not seen a piccy, but I'm sure it will be in the public domain soon.

Equally it seems there is an appetite for a boat along these lines - I certainly thought so after going down most of a (very wild) run sitting on the wing of my 700 the other day! Mind you not going to hang up my harness any time soon.

Given the choice I'd choose a fixed rudder, then a dagger and last on the list a lifting rudder. Unless I sailed in a location where I am likley to run aground at sted then lifting is top of the list.