The
YCR-26 was originally conceived as a competitive one-design and club
racer, as well as being an ideal teaching platform. It would definitely
be a great sail-trainer for any yacht club. But it's also a fun,
easy-to-handle day sailer for one to five people with plenty of cockpit
space to just hang out.
The
simplified deck
arrangement and sail plan adds to this design's user-friendliness,
which allows the novice sailor to become comfortable with the dynamics
of sailing and to build confidence in their boat handling abilities.
However, the boat can also be tweaked by the more experienced sailor
making it fun and responsive to handle in most conditions.
The
mast, boom, and
spinnaker pole are aluminum sections and the standing rigging is wire.
Setting up the rig with the deck stepped mast is relatively easy and
can be done by two people. The slightly over built spinnaker pole can
be rigged from the mast for a symmetric kite set, or be fixed on deck
for an asymmetric spinnaker. This gives the YCR-26 a lot greater
versatility of function.
The
boat will be
built tough enough to withstand the rigors of yacht club use with a
lightweight e-glass, CoreCell C-mat foam and vinyl ester resin laminate
with a gelcoat finish. There will be floatation compartments built into
the structure that will make the boat will be virtually unsinkable.
The
YCR-26 can be
easily launched from its trailer via a single point hoist, or floated
off from a boat ramp. The relatively shallow, fixed "L" shaped keel,
demountable rudder, and road-legal beam makes the boat an easy towing
package. It can be powered by a 5hp outboard conveniently mounted on a
fold-away bracket in the side locker of the cockpit.
Whether
they are
novice sailors or more experienced competitors, the YCR-26 will provide
a level of fun and excitement for young and old.
