Dinghy Development

This section of the forum is called "Dinghy Development". GRF is always banging on about what is wrong with current boat design but not providing a solution to the problem that he perceives (although at least he tried). I am sure that as we all sit in the pub after racing we all voice our opinions on the same subject. What are those opinions? I don't mean cardboard foils on 420's or stopping Laser mainsheets from hooking on transoms, they are just minor improvements. What we need is a radical new approach to the problem of using wind to move us through water. Current sailing craft employ the same principles as the earliest log with a stretched animal skin as a sail, they are better but work in the same way. Is there a better way? There was no steam engine before someone invented it and yet all it did was exploit the elements to produce usable power. Sailing boats are not that complicated, all that happens is that they blow along like a leaf on a puddle. We have improved things over the years but we have not changed the basic principle.

Well Tick. I really like design, form, function and making things work smoother.

Well, we could use steam engines, I suppose, or outboards, or even strap 2 logs together and make a catamaran, or 3 and make a Weta, but it seems the game we like to play involves one hull and bits of cloth bunged in the air. If we go too far from that, don't we end up with a different sport? (windsurfing or kitesurfing or jetskiing, for instance?)

Would these racial radical thoughts have been prompted by this thing? http://www.yachtforums.com/features/t-radical-new-sailboat-concept-twin-masted-swing-sail-12132.html

Would it (only) work on big boats or could it change dinghy sailing forever?

I have no idea - can't get my poor brain around it.

Is the statement that "... the normal rotational torque a conventional mast transfers to the hull with the full power of wind behind it." true or complete codswallop?

Edited by Noah - 03 Feb 13 at 9:22pm

Originally posted by I luv Wight This looks fun ( but it's not sailing ) http://youtu.be/i8NmgRIz3Jw

They had a couple of those in Bristol docks a few months ago, got coverage on local news and BBC weekend breakfast news.

Looks fun, but as you say it's not sailing in any way shape or form.