"We went sailing on "OverProof" for 4 hours this morning and tested all the systems. The
wind was 7-8 knts picking up to 12 knts later in the day. We sailed with the full main and
jib. The pole was retracted and the water was flat. I am new to these type of boats,
but was very taken with the following:
1. Speed - on a
reach (wind 90 degrees true @ 8 knots) she accelerated very quickly to
6.9 knts on the GPS. It reminded me of my sailing on a hobie, the
apparent wind picked up and we had to tighten up on the sheets. In 12
knots we reached a boat speed of 9.5 knots. We chased an Atlantic 48
(catamaran), the same as the one we are building now, and were at least
a half knot faster.
2. Tracking and balance - the boat tracks
like a 40ft boat. The rudders seem to keep her on a steady course and she is
perfectly balanced (light helm). You can leave the tiller and she stays on
course. She turns sharply when tacking (despite the tillers being constrained
somewhat by the box and the sailtrack).
3. Trim. Although she appears
slightly stern down on her moorings, she trimmed well once sailing. The bow does
not seem to trim down when she heels and the water breaks smoothly off
the transom.
