UK Cherubs to display two new innovative designs at RYA Dinghy Show 2013
by Graham Bridle 11 Feb 2013 19:40 GMT
Stand C38-40, 2-3 March 2013
The UK Cherub Class is building on a successful 2012 season that saw new members, new boats and a 25% increase in event entries. In 2013 the fleet is already active. In workshops around the country exciting new developments have been unfolding: very different Cherubs have been built by different builders to different designs using different methods.
With such interest and variation the fleet has elected to show two very different boats at the Dinghy Show to highlight the way the class encourages experimentation, allows for different build methods and is leading the way with new ideas.
Everest 1 (Clive Everest/Roger Angell)
Last year the Cherub Class welcomed Clive Everest, the influential designer of the RS600, RS300, numerous International Moths, International 14's, foilers, cats and more. At the 2012 nationals sailing with his 11 year old son in a boat nearly as old he finished 2nd. Now Clive has designed the radical looking Everest 1 with its solid wings a departure from the racks seen in most recent designs.
But that's not the only radical thing about this boat. It is built by old Moth adversary Roger Angell from a kit of flat carbon foam panels, precisely cut by water jet and assembled over a male plug. This build process makes for simpler and cheaper construction and opens the door for potential home builds in the future.
Ellway 7 (Kevin Ellway/Composite Craft)
More established Cherub designer Kevin Ellway has improved on the Ellway6 design on display in the 2012 show with the Ellway7. Commissioned by Paul Jenkins and introducing a new builder into the Cherub Class, Composite Craft this boat is built using a more conventional female mould from carbon and 8mm Nomex, it sports more conventional racks and a more unusual deck layout including a half foredeck.
Composite Craft have an excellent reputation building International 14s and National 12s and are keen to get involved in the class and as well as being able to supply professional quality boats they are hoping offer an Ellway7 kit that can be finished at home.
And the building doesn't stop there. A home build E6 design with bespoke deck is under construction based on a male plug using the E6 hydrodynamic design by Kevin Ellway with an adapted top side to work with a sarcophagus build method. So alongside the professional build, the DIY option is alive, kicking and constantly evolving.
Graham Bridle, Class President and current national champion with son Eddie comments that: "All this demonstrates the strength and depth of innovation and enthusiasm within the class. We're looking forward to displaying these two very different Cherubs at the cutting edge of design and construction at the Dinghy Show. With increasing numbers of new people wanting to join the fleet and all the new boats in build, a calendar of travellers events and a Babbacombe nationals during Torbay week, 2013 is shaping up to be a fantastic year, and the competition is looking closer than ever."
Join the party at www.uk-cherub.org and better still, come and see the brand new Everest 1 and the Ellway7 in the flesh at the RYA Dinghy Show (Stand C38-40 in the Great Hall). Leave your details at the stand and a trial sail will be arranged.