K1 single-handed keelboat

Third for a non-trapeze boat in what looks like a pretty windy race says to me it will be even better on PY in lighter, displacement stuff, especially with that long waterline length and narrow waterline beam.

I can't imagine that the bulb adds much in percentage terms to a total wetted area of what, more than three square metres? And if it's shaped well there should be little form drag from it.

Originally posted by Do'm there is more of a market fore this sort of thing for single handers.

Never mind the singlehanders. I'd love a two-man version, preferably with trapeze (and appropriately modified hull shape, obviously); it needn't need to be much heavier than the K1 - indeed, the bulb could probably be a little lighter if only self-righting rather than righting moment while sailing was required.

Yes, the Stratos Keel fits the same general description, but it's such a lumbering affair. As you say, lighter is the thing. I guess the Stratos is so heavy because it needs toughness for some people to leave it on moorings, and it's relatively low-tech construction; but for a dry-sailed racing machine, huge weight savings could be made and a lot of that ugly freeboard dispensed with. When you think how popular the Flying Fifteen is on inland waters, but it's total overkill weight and size-wise for most people's requirements at those venues, making it less fun to sail and more of a pain than need be to dry-sail.