Bayesian Capsize

insights into the design and safety considerations of modern yachts, exemplified by the superyacht Bayesian. highlights how traditional sailing technologies, such as masts and keels, continue to influence contemporary yacht design. The discussion includes Bayesian’s specifications, stability measures like the Angle of Vanishing Stability, and features like the dinghy garage, which may impact flooding risks. Such details are crucial for boat designers focused on integrating historical sailing principles with modern innovations to enhance performance, safety, and luxury in yacht construction. This blend of old and new technologies is essential for advancing yacht design in today’s market.

Centerboard Slot, Gybing board, Forward Rudder and Canard

The nature of  the Murrelet centerboard is not well understood. MacGregor Yachts states in the cruiser’s brochure that A long, thin airfoil is far more efficient than a short, wide one. This is why racing sailboat keels are deep, and why sailplane wings are long and thin. The relationship between the fore and aft width of the board…

The Story of Finisterre

In 1954 the Olin Stephens designed yacht Finisterre was launched, to late for the Bermuda race that year. She was a 38 foot centerboarder and there is no more accomplished racing yacht. She ranks as one of the most significant yachts in the history of the sport. Carleton Mitchell, the owner of Finisterre, is the…

Center and Lee Boarders Point Better than Keel Boats

In light to moderate conditions (when power to carry sail is not an issue), a center boarder or lee boarder has the advantage of more efficient and lower-drag lateral plane. All else being similar, it will point and foot better than a deep keel-ballasted boat” Phil Bolger and Susanne Altenburger Wooden Boats November/December 2000 issue…

Long Keels Less Seaworthy

Time to wake up! This happens all the time I’ve seen people discussing liferafts and such, but for me this big issue here is keels. The four crew on Cheeki died because the boat’s keel fell off, probably very suddenly, and this is not, as some have suggested, an unusual occurrence. It is frighteningly common. Modern fin…

Vigilant Centerboard

The 34th America’s Cup reintroduced catamarans. In 1988 a catamaran raced a mono hull with the result being a fiasco, the mono hull not being at all competitive. But multi hulled was not the only reintroduced innovation in the 34th. Centerboards increase a vessel’s draft and that old innovation was also used. The American built…