667 replies to this topic

[windseekeryachts]

Kevin I hear the big day is soon. Very soon..

[Kevin Farrar]

Yes! About 42 hours from now. Jim is flying east tomorrow.
Kevin

[Winchgrinder69]

This Saturday @ 11:30 AM Mystic Shipyard West Mystic. Ct Not 100% but it's gonna get wet.

[Savage 17]

How many demo rides are lined up?

[Kevin Farrar]

Maybe Sunday. Saturday sea trials with Construction crew.

[StayinStrewn]

Congrats!!

[tamaozy]

Well done Kevin, can't wait to see the photo's.

[DIMITRIS]

Maybe Sunday. Saturday sea trials with Construction crew.

Well done Kevin and the built team congrats to all of you!!!!!!!!!!


+1000 on the coment of 29erX

[Heriberto]

The f250 is eastbound. Should just make it....

[Savage 17]

The f250 is eastbound. Should just make it....

Herb - You are on your to sail on the boat?

[Heriberto]

Yup. Bringing donuts and hot coffee.

[Savage 17]

Nice.... I never got a call back from Jim about getting to go on a test sail.

[Heriberto]

Best to talk to Kevin. His boat!

[Savage 17]

Hope you brought your rain gear!

[Mauney Motorsports]

Saw a shot of the Lunch Cutter sailing, then not sailing, oops.

[Ryley]

Saw a shot of the Lunch Cutter sailing, then not sailing, oops.

say what?

[Mauney Motorsports]

trying to post the photo..........sailmaker's kite came apart.......

[Savage 17]

[GybeSet®]

OMG
only a foredeck consisting of internet blow-in owner/drivers could do that to a new kite in light weather

[Ryley]

Good thing the owner is a sailmaker!!!!



I have no clue what material he used, but I wouldn't put it on the top of my list!!!

it's probably airex 600 or something similar. I'd keep the material on the list. Would love to see the 4 shots right before this happened though.

[Jim Donovan]

Spinnaker rip was unfortunate; tear started in one of the red head panels.
Most likely cause was a cotter key.
Just as the wind started to pick up, it was time to go home . . .

Attached Files

•  tear.jpg   8.71K   94 downloads

[Jim Donovan]

The good news is in about 10 knots of breeze top speed for the day was 11.8 knots, with a spinnaker about 15 sq m smaller than maximum
NICE ! ! !

Attached Files

•  11.8.jpg   50.89K   112 downloads

[Jim Donovan]

Kevin built a BEAUTIFUL boat !

Attached Files

•  Beauty Shot.jpg   38.03K   245 downloads

[Mauney Motorsports]

Given the time it took to build that thing, apparent close attention to detail the number of "rock stars" on hand, a bare cotter pin gets the blame?
That must have been some tear.

Yeah the boat's done and the spam will now begin, all expected from such a lengthy effort. My question is, at what cost?

[TBone]

Given the time it took to build that thing, apparent close attention to detail the number of "rock stars" on hand, a bare cotter pin gets the blame?
That must have been some tear.

Yeah the boat's done and the spam will now begin, all expected from such a lengthy effort. My question is, at what cost?

Lighten up, Francis.
The guy wanted something that wasn't available and set out to fulfill his own dreams. Looks like he ended up with a sweet ride! Congratulations Kevin!
As far as the cotter pin goes, the expression "but for a nail...the Kingdom was lost" was coined for good reason. Shizzit happens.

[Steam Flyer]

Kevin built a BEAUTIFUL boat !

That is a beauty... looks like she moves pretty well too
Congrats Kevin

FB- Doug

[Mauney Motorsports]

Easy Jacques, I know the guy, That cotter pin line was just bs. The entire thread and effort has been a house of cards, paid for with blood, sweat, lost wages, broken promises, bold face lies and so on..... As mythical tales go, this is a good one. The Kingdom..................good one.

It all began one Labor Day night 4 long years ago, or so the story goes.
Just one question:

Is it possible to insure a boat after it's been beached?

[TOTALXS]

How great a feeling to be able to build your own boat, figure out the hundreds of details and finally, after what seems like an eternity, get to see it launched and then sail it. In the excitement of arriving at a point that took years of dedication, a small thing gets rushed and it cost a kite. Do not let that lessen the moment for you, Kevin, one little bit. It is meaningless in the big picture and all should be commended for the result.

Congratulations on your new and sleek racer. We all look forward to more pictures of her sailing and eventually winning that first race.

[DIMITRIS]

It looks really nice! As far as the spi tearing that is very unfotunate and I am sure that Kevin will short it out quickly....
Jim or Kevin one question yet to have your coment. In the last picture Savage17 has posted the main looks a bit small (it migth be the angle of the photo) compared to the Windseeker's GP26? Is it cut according to ORC GP26 class rules?

[Savage 17]

It looks really nice! As far as the spi tearing that is very unfotunate :(/> and I am sure that Kevin will short it out quickly....
Jim or Kevin one question yet to have your coment. In the last picture Savage17 has posted the main looks a bit small (it migth be the angle of the photo) compared to the Windseeker's GP26? Is it cut according to ORC GP26 class rules?

I thought the same thing when I saw the picture.........

[Heriberto]

That sail is 3/4 OZ. material. It was actually too small and too heavy for the very light conditions that never got over 14 kts for around half an hour or so right when this happened. It had a small tear which is pretty obvious by how it came apart.
Then again, I was trimming so its probably my fault!

As for rock stars, wow! Hahahaha, aside from Jim and Kevin the only rock star out there was Brian from Hard Bottom Inflatables (HBI) who drove their brand new, beautiful 30-foot, twin 250 outboard rib as a chase boat transferring multiple geriatrics like myself on an awesome ride.

Point is, this boat is incredible. Come on out Savage, you have an invite. Let the boat do the talking.

More pics and videos to come.

[Heriberto]

Main is class max, it's the angle.

[StayinStrewn]

Beautiful day on FIS for more testing..,will try to swing by the yard to check her out.

[Ryley]

Kevin,
great job. I'm officially jealous. Mauney's comments notwithstanding, I'm looking forward to seeing you in the Spring at Off soundings, by which time I suspect you'll have it pretty well sorted.

[Jim Donovan]

That sail is 3/4 OZ. material. It was actually too small and too heavy for the very light conditions that never got over 14 kts for around half an hour or so right when this happened. It had a small tear which is pretty obvious by how it came apart.
Then again, I was trimming so its probably my fault!

As for rock stars, wow! Hahahaha, aside from Jim and Kevin the only rock star out there was Brian from Hard Bottom Inflatables (HBI) who drove their brand new, beautiful 30-foot, twin 250 outboard rib as a chase boat transferring multiple geriatrics like myself on an awesome ride.

Point is, this boat is incredible. Come on out Savage, you have an invite. Let the boat do the talking.

More pics and videos to come.

Hi herb. We have videos from the chase boat. Wind speed was doing a slow build from about 10 to 12 for about 20 mins, so TWS was just topping out with a small gust of about 14 when the boat hit 11.8 knots. Before that we were holding a steady 11 knots pacing you guys in approx 12 knots TWS. Obviously you guys were reaching up and generating some apparent WS.

[fullsail]

Congratulation big time Mr.Kevin. It has been much of interest to follow your built over the years. I wish you great pleasure to sail your boat with good company and with success.
There is something very special sailing the boat we have built.

[Left Hook]

Then again, I was trimming so its probably my fault!

Saved.

[Joesailor]

<sub>Congratulations Kevin, thats a sweet ride. Can't wait to see it up close next summer. I will have to bring my viper up there next summer to race in one of the Fischers Island Sound Races. I think that you will owe me a little time in PHRF

Joe Healey</sub>

[Danish21]

Congratulations Kevin and Jim too!! The end product is a testament to a very successful collaboration between designer and owner/builder. Well done!

Thanks for Sunday's sail. That VMG spin is a thing of beauty.

[Heriberto]

My pic from the chase HBI. Jim driving in about 6kts breeze at a little over 5kts boatspeed. The next day was a little more consistent wind speed more sorted out. Bigger chute (and spreaders cotter pins now taped up).

This boat is a total game changer, nothing like it out there and if you sail on it, you will know.

Two beautiful days on the water, thanks Kevin.

 PC080036.JPG   76.22K   207 downloads

[Ryley]

My pic from the chase HBI. Jim driving in about 6kts breeze at a little over 5kts boatspeed. The next day was a little more consistent wind speed more sorted out. Bigger chute (and spreaders cotter pins now taped up).

This boat is a total game changer, nothing like it out there and if you sail on it, you will know.

Two beautiful days on the water, thanks Kevin.

 PC080036.JPG   76.22K   207 downloads

Heriberto,
a game changer, as in you think it will be able to sail to its 69 rating? Bear in mind that's putting a 26 foot boat into the same realm as the Viper 830, J/109s, J/42s, C&C 115 and a bunch of other big, long boats.

[StayinStrewn]

cool, hope you can hang w the bigger boats upwind...more pics?

[Heriberto]

My pic from the chase HBI. Jim driving in about 6kts breeze at a little over 5kts boatspeed. The next day was a little more consistent wind speed more sorted out. Bigger chute (and spreaders cotter pins now taped up).

This boat is a total game changer, nothing like it out there and if you sail on it, you will know.

Two beautiful days on the water, thanks Kevin.

 PC080036.JPG   76.22K   207 downloads

Heriberto,
a game changer, as in you think it will be able to sail to its 69 rating? Bear in mind that's putting a 26 foot boat into the same realm as the Viper 830, J/109s, J/42s, C&C 115 and a bunch of other big, long boats.

No answer is good here. I could say "yes in some conditions and no in others", but really, PHRF? Who gives a shit? That isn't anything that people in the sportboat forum should really be basing decisions on, should it?

It's very fast, it's very fun, and it's an application of proven go-fast boat parameters in an affordable size package. Basically a scaled down Carkeek 40. or VO70, or.... and the price on the production Windseeker version is less than a Melges 20 or J70 all up, for a 26-footer that sails like a boat several feet longer.

Kevin did an incredible job building this boat, and Jim did an incredible job on the design. I guarantee there are and will be yacht designers looking at this boat very closely, but these guys are there first.

Take a look for yourself if you don't believe me.

[DIMITRIS]

My pic from the chase HBI. Jim driving in about 6kts breeze at a little over 5kts boatspeed. The next day was a little more consistent wind speed more sorted out. Bigger chute (and spreaders cotter pins now taped up).

This boat is a total game changer, nothing like it out there and if you sail on it, you will know.

Two beautiful days on the water, thanks Kevin.

 PC080036.JPG   76.22K   207 downloads

Heriberto,
a game changer, as in you think it will be able to sail to its 69 rating? Bear in mind that's putting a 26 foot boat into the same realm as the Viper 830, J/109s, J/42s, C&C 115 and a bunch of other big, long boats.

No answer is good here. I could say "yes in some conditions and no in others", but really, PHRF? Who gives a shit? That isn't anything that people in the sportboat forum should really be basing decisions on, should it?

It's very fast, it's very fun, and it's an application of proven go-fast boat parameters in an affordable size package. Basically a scaled down Carkeek 40. or VO70, or.... and the price on the production Windseeker version is less than a Melges 20 or J70 all up, for a 26-footer that sails like a boat several feet longer.

Kevin did an incredible job building this boat, and Jim did an incredible job on the design. I guarantee there are and will be yacht designers looking at this boat very closely, but these guys are there first.

Take a look for yourself if you don't believe me.

+1

[Ryley]

My pic from the chase HBI. Jim driving in about 6kts breeze at a little over 5kts boatspeed. The next day was a little more consistent wind speed more sorted out. Bigger chute (and spreaders cotter pins now taped up).

This boat is a total game changer, nothing like it out there and if you sail on it, you will know.

Two beautiful days on the water, thanks Kevin.

 PC080036.JPG   76.22K   207 downloads

Heriberto,
a game changer, as in you think it will be able to sail to its 69 rating? Bear in mind that's putting a 26 foot boat into the same realm as the Viper 830, J/109s, J/42s, C&C 115 and a bunch of other big, long boats.

No answer is good here. I could say "yes in some conditions and no in others", but really, PHRF? Who gives a shit? That isn't anything that people in the sportboat forum should really be basing decisions on, should it?

It's very fast, it's very fun, and it's an application of proven go-fast boat parameters in an affordable size package. Basically a scaled down Carkeek 40. or VO70, or.... and the price on the production Windseeker version is less than a Melges 20 or J70 all up, for a 26-footer that sails like a boat several feet longer.

Kevin did an incredible job building this boat, and Jim did an incredible job on the design. I guarantee there are and will be yacht designers looking at this boat very closely, but these guys are there first.

Take a look for yourself if you don't believe me.

I give a shit because PHRF is the only game in town. If I were looking at a GP-26, I probably couldn't afford to haul it down to Venezuela to sail one-design, and until a few more of them hit the East Coast (read New England) I give a shit.

I give a shit because my current boat, an Elliott 770, is reasonably competitive in its rating band. We win some, we lose some, there are certain boats in our class that no matter what we can't seem to beat. I wouldn't buy a GP 26 if I didn't have a reasonable expectation that I could (at least sometimes) beat a J/109 at its own game.

And I give a shit because I consider myself to be a long-term investor in this. I can't afford one right now, but I like everything I've seen (including when I came down to help lay up the bottom on Kevin's), so yeah, I give a shit about ratings before I plunk down $60k plus on any boat whose sole purpose is for me to race. And I do plan to take a look, thanks, probably this weekend when I go back home to Mystic.

I've been an advocate of this design since Kevin announced he was building one, and since wraceboats announced a production version. mmkay?

[Savage 17]

My pic from the chase HBI. Jim driving in about 6kts breeze at a little over 5kts boatspeed. The next day was a little more consistent wind speed more sorted out. Bigger chute (and spreaders cotter pins now taped up).

This boat is a total game changer, nothing like it out there and if you sail on it, you will know.

Two beautiful days on the water, thanks Kevin.

 PC080036.JPG   76.22K   207 downloads

Heriberto,
a game changer, as in you think it will be able to sail to its 69 rating? Bear in mind that's putting a 26 foot boat into the same realm as the Viper 830, J/109s, J/42s, C&C 115 and a bunch of other big, long boats.

No answer is good here. I could say "yes in some conditions and no in others", but really, PHRF? Who gives a shit? That isn't anything that people in the sportboat forum should really be basing decisions on, should it?

It's very fast, it's very fun, and it's an application of proven go-fast boat parameters in an affordable size package. Basically a scaled down Carkeek 40. or VO70, or.... and the price on the production Windseeker version is less than a Melges 20 or J70 all up, for a 26-footer that sails like a boat several feet longer.

Kevin did an incredible job building this boat, and Jim did an incredible job on the design. I guarantee there are and will be yacht designers looking at this boat very closely, but these guys are there first.

Take a look for yourself if you don't believe me.

Herb,

A Windeeker GP 26 is a lot more money then a J70 which has sold 380+ boats already. A J70 with a trailer, covers and sails is $50k. That is retail.

Do, sport boat owners car about PHRF? Yes, that is the only method we can race our sportboat unless a local OD class exists. The GP 26 only has 3 boats in the USA including Kevin's. I don't see a local OD class being established quickly.

Game changer? Time will tell how it does over time!

Also, I never got an invite to go sailing, just was told to call Kevin and ask if I could.

[Heriberto]

Hey sorry Ryley,

I was trying to edit that so it didn't come off that way. PHRF sucks and we know that. If we cared about phrf we would get any one of the cheater boats out there and that just sucks.

[GybeSet®]

Windeeker GP 26 is a lot more money then a J70 which has sold 380+ boats already. A J70 with a trailer, covers and sails is $50k. That is retail.

that is a great endorsement for the GP

close in price

thrice the quality
Offshore-able
twice the size ( volume)
twice the mainsail area
no lee helm

one is a well founded boat
the other a 22' toy for lakes & rivers

[Ryley]

Windeeker GP 26 is a lot more money then a J70 which has sold 380+ boats already. A J70 with a trailer, covers and sails is $50k. That is retail.

that is a great endorsement for the GP

close in price

thrice the quality
Offshore-able
twice the size ( volume)
twice the mainsail area
no lee helm

one is a well founded boat
the other a 22' toy for lakes & rivers

exactly, and about half the price of a left-coast dart. There is absolutely no comparison between a gp26 and a j70. you could do marblehead-halifax in a gp, or boston-ptown, or around bI, never never ever in a j70. I'm glad they're selling a bunch in this economy but it'd be a step down from what I've already got.

[alcoholfunnycar]

Windeeker GP 26 is a lot more money then a J70 which has sold 380+ boats already. A J70 with a trailer, covers and sails is $50k. That is retail.

that is a great endorsement for the GP

close in price

thrice the quality
Offshore-able
twice the size ( volume)
twice the mainsail area
no lee helm

one is a well founded boat
the other a 22' toy for lakes & rivers

+1

Hard to believe people are concerned about phrf.

Sad where this thread has gone with the personal attacks, most villages only have to suffer one idiot.

Good job on the boat, boys, looks like an absolute beauty. Never mind the bollocks.

[Ryley]

Hey sorry Ryley,

I was trying to edit that so it didn't come off that way. PHRF sucks and we know that. If we cared about phrf we would get any one of the cheater boats out there and that just sucks.

No kidding. If I wanted to be king of my pond, I'd get a Pearson Flyer or *shudder* a J/29. I bought an Elliott because no one else had one and because it looked like a fast fun boat at a reasonable cost. We've managed to do pretty well. but if I'm going to move out of C and into B some day, I do want something that besides being fast and fun has some competitiveness.

Besides, eventually the phrf 'gods' are going to have to make way for new blood, and maybe they will have a better understanding of boats like this and make it fun and fair (hey, I can dream).

I'm glad you liked your sail, H - can't wait for my turn (though maybe I can wait til May

[alcoholfunnycar]

Hey sorry Ryley,

I was trying to edit that so it didn't come off that way. PHRF sucks and we know that. If we cared about phrf we would get any one of the cheater boats out there and that just sucks.

No kidding. If I wanted to be king of my pond, I'd get a Pearson Flyer or *shudder* a J/29. I bought an Elliott because no one else had one and because it looked like a fast fun boat at a reasonable cost. We've managed to do pretty well. but if I'm going to move out of C and into B some day, I do want something that besides being fast and fun has some competitiveness.

Besides, eventually the phrf 'gods' are going to have to make way for new blood, and maybe they will have a better understanding of boats like this and make it fun and fair (hey, I can dream).

Sounds pretty reasonable. Nothing wrong with a J29 some gasoline and a match won't cure.

[SA Lurker]

...it'd be a step down from what I've already got.

Perhaps you should take another look...

[SA Lurker]

...blood, sweat, lost wages, broken promises, bold face lies and so on.....

Sounds like the stuff of divorce.

This is the wrong venue.

BTW, odd moniker.

[Savage 17]

Please don't take my comments as negative either! Kevin has done a great job at building the boat along with Jim on a great design. If I come across a very black and white, that is because I am.

I like the boat and hope it takes off. I just want to make sure everyone is sharing correct information. I'm sure I will like the boat when I finally geta sail on it.

Am I going to go put money on a new boat? Time will tell, a new boat is never a good investment, but they are also new :)/>

Herb - I'm not picking on you. I just want to make sure the correct facts are shared! When does your boat arrive? How did the keel and bulb make out in the truck bed on the way home?

[Winchgrinder69]

Hey Guys, This boat will sell itself....it's so pleasant to steer, and it responds exactly like the thoroughbred she is...it will prove to those doubters out there after the first ride.... It'll be out of the water soon for a well-deserved winter's nap...then we'll hear from the soothsayers and naysayers for sure...there was no way to wipe the smile off the faces of those who have had the opportunity to steer her...Just ask Herb......

[Heriberto]

Was a great pleasure meeting you and everyone else WG.

[Ryley]

...it'd be a step down from what I've already got.

Perhaps you should take another look...

Not a chance. while I like the idea of od, going to a J/70 would exclude me from some races I love to do, like Off Soundings. and a few overnighters that have a minimum length. As you know, I prefer the longer races - there's a certain race in Long Island that I think a GP 26 would be very fun to sail in, whereas even if the j/70 met the length requirements, would be an even more insane prospect than it was doing it in RockIt

[fullsail]

Come on Heriberto, we want to see the boat sailing.
Please!

[Ryley]

Come on Heriberto, we want to see the boat sailing.
Please!

+100 - Either Heriberto or Kevin - let's see the goods!

[Jim Donovan]

I will post some sailing photos here shortly; just need to get my laptop near a wi-fi signal.

[Jim Donovan]

Launching photos showning the size of the boat and it's formidable appendage package. Additional photo showing the boat shortly after launch floating perfectly on it's lines and looking sharp!

Attached Files

•  Designer & Builder.jpg   23.88K   212 downloads
•  It Floats!.jpg   20.73K   205 downloads

[Jim Donovan]

After a short tow out to better breeze, we set the spinnaker in about 5 knots TWS. % crew aboard in these photos, so heavier crew than you;d want in this condition. Still boat slips along without dragging transom

Attached Files

•  Aft Qrt Spinn.jpg   20.16K   176 downloads
•  Profile Spinn.jpg   19.69K   198 downloads
•  Fwd Qtr Spinn.jpg   12.12K   126 downloads

[Jim Donovan]

This spinnaker was thee 3/4oz quite a bit smaller than you'd carry normally.
Maximum classs spinnaker is about 30% larger than this, but for theselight air conditoins the full size spinnakers will be too large; you need 10 knots TWS for the huge full size sail. Kevin used his lighter VMG kite the following day and said the boat speed was much improved.

Attached Files

•  Full Spinn.jpg   32.18K   91 downloads

[Jim Donovan]

Here's the boat 2-sail reaching back in w/3 crew aboard; going over 7 knots in about 8 TWS. Note the absolute clean flow off the transom.
We have some videos of the boat taken w/the spinnaker up going about 11 knots. I'll post these when I get a chance.

This was the first chance I had to observe this design sailing while off the boat. I am very pleased with the way this boat has a smooth transition from normal speeds to planning speeds; it seems totally automatic.

Attached Files

•  2 sail reaching.jpg   28.79K   172 downloads

[Ryley]

Jim, you have to be really proud of how his design has materialized. Really great job - it looks like it hit the design brief and then some.

[PurpleOnion]

Jim, you have to be really proud of how his design has materialized. Really great job - it looks like it hit the design brief and then some.

Definitely.
Tremendous work.

[Savage 17]

Jim, you have to be really proud of how his design has materialized. Really great job - it looks like it hit the design brief and then some.

Definitely.
Tremendous work.

I agree great job.....

[Jerryd]

Here's the boat 2-sail reaching back in w/3 crew aboard; going over 7 knots in about 8 TWS. Note the absolute clean flow off the transom.
We have some videos of the boat taken w/the spinnaker up going about 11 knots. I'll post these when I get a chance.

This was the first chance I had to observe this design sailing while off the boat. I am very pleased with the way this boat has a smooth transition from normal speeds to planning speeds; it seems totally automatic.

So Jim, what do you think the typical crew demands would be for different conditions? Is the boat tender? Crew can sometimes be hard to find. Although the excitement of this boat might bring more out of the woodwork!

[Nrg85]

Congratulations!
More sailing pics please!

If that blue-red-white-grey spin is a smaller one than please put a pic when you go and sail with a big one, because this one already looks big!

[Jim Donovan]

Here's the boat 2-sail reaching back in w/3 crew aboard; going over 7 knots in about 8 TWS. Note the absolute clean flow off the transom.
We have some videos of the boat taken w/the spinnaker up going about 11 knots. I'll post these when I get a chance.

This was the first chance I had to observe this design sailing while off the boat. I am very pleased with the way this boat has a smooth transition from normal speeds to planning speeds; it seems totally automatic.

So Jim, what do you think the typical crew demands would be for different conditions? Is the boat tender? Crew can sometimes be hard to find. Although the excitement of this boat might bring more out of the woodwork!

The design is very stable; you notice the first time you step aboard.
It feels like a much larger boat than a 2200 lb 26 footer.
It is not necessary to have three or four 200 lb guys sail with you.

There is far more stability, control (and speed) than the other similar sized sportboats available.
But it is a 2200 lb 26 footer with a very large sailplan, and the boat is fully powered up in 8 knots TWS.

In lower windspeeds a smallish crew of 4 will easily handle the boat. As you get into fresher conditions 5 crew is better for both boatspeed and handling. We have sailed the boat w/6 aboard; there is plenty of room on deck and allows for a novice to come sailing with you.

Hull shape is designed to gain maximum stability within the GP 26 rule constraints, with volume carefully distributed to avoid significant trim change as the boat heels. When you're steering the boat the helm is not sensitive to higher angles of heel; the boat just tracks straight ahead.

The deep keel fin with 45% of the mass contained in the bulb kicks in a higher heel angles, keeping the boat more controllable in higher wind speeds. Recovery from a broach is instant.


Compared to the 30 to 32 foot sportboats, the crew demands are much more managable, with winches and controls set up so women can effectively operate the boat.

The boat is more fun to sail than most, you're crew list will probably gain recruits . . .

[Jim Donovan]

Congratulations!
More sailing pics please!

If that blue-red-white-grey spin is a smaller one than please put a pic when you go and sail with a big one, because this one already looks big!

The size of the crew aboard gives you a good indication of how big the BIG spinnaker is . . .

Attached Files

•  photo-3763.jpg   7.44K   89 downloads

[SA Lurker]

The size of the crew aboard gives you a good indication of how big the BIG spinnaker is . . .

That is one generously proportioned chute! Will be interesting to see what comes as sail development progesses. The trend in the M32s has been toward smaller asym runners...and not because they're slower.

[Christian]

Here's the boat 2-sail reaching back in w/3 crew aboard; going over 7 knots in about 8 TWS. Note the absolute clean flow off the transom.
We have some videos of the boat taken w/the spinnaker up going about 11 knots. I'll post these when I get a chance.

This was the first chance I had to observe this design sailing while off the boat. I am very pleased with the way this boat has a smooth transition from normal speeds to planning speeds; it seems totally automatic.

So Jim, what do you think the typical crew demands would be for different conditions? Is the boat tender? Crew can sometimes be hard to find. Although the excitement of this boat might bring more out of the woodwork!

The design is very stable; you notice the first time you step aboard.
It feels like a much larger boat than a 2200 lb 26 footer.
It is not necessary to have three or four 200 lb guys sail with you.

There is far more stability, control (and speed) than the other similar sized sportboats available.
But it is a 2200 lb 26 footer with a very large sailplan, and the boat is fully powered up in 8 knots TWS.

In lower windspeeds a smallish crew of 4 will easily handle the boat. As you get into fresher conditions 5 crew is better for both boatspeed and handling. We have sailed the boat w/6 aboard; there is plenty of room on deck and allows for a novice to come sailing with you.

Hull shape is designed to gain maximum stability within the GP 26 rule constraints, with volume carefully distributed to avoid significant trim change as the boat heels. When you're steering the boat the helm is not sensitive to higher angles of heel; the boat just tracks straight ahead.

The deep keel fin with 45% of the mass contained in the bulb kicks in a higher heel angles, keeping the boat more controllable in higher wind speeds. Recovery from a broach is instant.


Compared to the 30 to 32 foot sportboats, the crew demands are much more managable, with winches and controls set up so women can effectively operate the boat.

The boat is more fun to sail than most, you're crew list will probably gain recruits . . .

Jim,

I think your design looks great - But - that is quite a statement (bolded) - let's see if it holds

[Christian]

Congratulations!
More sailing pics please!

If that blue-red-white-grey spin is a smaller one than please put a pic when you go and sail with a big one, because this one already looks big!

The size of the crew aboard gives you a good indication of how big the BIG spinnaker is . . .

Are you using a bigger kite than class rules allow? - could make sense in PHRF. Class kite size is somewhat limited (a smidge under 75 Sqm as far as I remember)

[Heriberto]

Are you using a bigger kite than class rules allow? - could make sense in PHRF. Class kite size is somewhat limited (a smidge under 75 Sqm as far as I remember)

Above Jim says the pics here are a shy chute 15m2 smaller than class max. I thought it was straightforward in the context that the Windseeker chute pic he posted are the class maximum chute.

Throughout this thread,the Windseeker thread and the first front page article, Jim and Kevin have said the boat was built towards taking advantage of the highest stability parameters allowed in the rule. Having sailed the boat now, I think the rule is actually generous on spinnaker sail area. Still, the good thing is that is controlled by the class association, and if they want the owners can change the class rule.

[Nrg85]

So after few sailing in what conditions you assume that will be good to sail with the big spin?

Jim mentioned above that it is too big for small winds below 10 knots.
At what wind range do you expect it will be to big and you will switch to a vmg spin or fractional one?

Did you manage to try how low can you sail with it?

[Jim Donovan]

Max spinnaker area is not controlled by class rules , only luff and mid girth dimensions. Theoretically Kevin says you could build a sail over 80sqm, but Smsller area spinnakers could be better all-around sails. Not correct to say owners can change class rules. Owners can certainly request class rule changes, but the rule is administered by the ORC.

[Kevin Farrar]

I have large chute being designed ( I am using the Asuze Project software) which currently is a little larger than 83 square meters an earlier version was up to 85 plus but I backed away from that model somewhat. This light weight monster should be useful in winds above 7 knots when you really want to go low. I think there is some major development work to be done in the smaller code zero style sails or should I say smaller asymmetrical spinnakers which performance of a code zero but wouldn't take the IRC hit.
Kevin

[Kevin Farrar]

^{Hi Savage you sailing tomorrow??
Kevin
PM or call 860-608-3383}

[Heriberto]

Thanks for the corrections, Jim. I knew, and glossed over both those things. ORC administers the GP class rules and the spin size limitations are on the luff and mid-girth measurements, yes.

Is there a single GP26 Owner's Association to discuss rule issues, race schedules, etc. and act as an owner's advocate with ORC in rule adminstration? Or are there multiple groups in different areas? I imagine the stronger the owner's association(s) was/are, the more determinitive it/they would be in making rule adjustments which the owners felt were in their best interest as a class. I think my point with the rule administration is that it isn't run by a boat manufacturer who has a vested interest in the rules direction and provisions. I'm not sure what vested interest ORC has except success of the rule!

[Savage 17]

^{Hi Savage you sailing tomorrow??
Kevin
PM or call 860-608-3383}

I sent you a PM

[bruno]

nice entry and cutwater, jim, good job on the build, guys

[Christian]

Max spinnaker area is not controlled by class rules , only luff and mid girth dimensions. Theoretically Kevin says you could build a sail over 80sqm, but Smsller area spinnakers could be better all-around sails. Not correct to say owners can change class rules. Owners can certainly request class rule changes, but the rule is administered by the ORC.

Slight correction: what is being limited is MG and ASL(0.5SLU+0.5SLE) and then off course ISP and tackpoint, which does give a limitation of (usable) area.

[GybeSet®]

you know this box is so 'tight' its like OD

not a criticism but an observation

[Ryley]

Kevin and Winch, thanks for the chance to sail on the boat today. Wish we had had a bit more breeze, but I'm pretty impressed with the overall performance. I'm officially envious (ok, was already, but...). We'll talk this winter about some racing opportunities.

[Delta Dog]

Windeeker GP 26 is a lot more money then a J70 which has sold 380+ boats already. A J70 with a trailer, covers and sails is $50k. That is retail.

that is a great endorsement for the GP

close in price

thrice the quality
Offshore-able
twice the size ( volume)
twice the mainsail area
no lee helm

one is a well founded boat
the other a 22' toy for lakes & rivers

+1

Hard to believe people are concerned about phrf.

Sad where this thread has gone with the personal attacks, most villages only have to suffer one idiot.

Good job on the boat, boys, looks like an absolute beauty. Never mind the bollocks.

+1

Awesome looking boat.

I want one. Full stop!

[Jim Donovan]

Video from first day sailing

http://www.youtube.c...e&v=H2JRTBpYWWc

[Ryley]

Nice

[Heriberto]

Yeah, that was a lot of fun.

[Ryley]

Yeah, that was a lot of fun.

Jealous because you actually had wind

But.. we definitely had some time to play and I was very impressed...

[Heriberto]

You can tell by the lack of waves that first day was also mostly very light. Just piped up briefly for a short while. Boat just goes. Even with this shy chute it was full on loaded as we reached up in just moderate conditions, but the boat hung in there and kept accelerating.

It's so low on drama (look at the lack of wake in that video) that the speed is deceptive. You don't know you are going as fast as you are. Needs a speedo of some kind!

[Winchgrinder69]

Yea, it needs a double-digit speedo ....should be named "surreptitious"....Regards

[Jim Donovan]

Video from first day sailing

This was the first chance I had to watch my design sail from another boat.
In this video the boat "shifted gears" and effortlessly went onto a plane; bow is up and the water is streaming straight off the transom.
As you can see there isn't much wind and the boat is just cruising at a steady 11 knots leaving almost no wake

I talked to Kevin about his boat after this and he commented, "there is no sense of the boat hopping onto a plane; it just gains speed smoothly and goes faster."

You'll also see a small puff hits the boat and it heels slightly; aboard the boat there is not much drama as the hull form/keel combination kick in to utilize the energy from the puff and the boat accelerates.

[Ryley]

by the way, the chute repair looks great. no drama with it at all.

[DIMITRIS]

Video from first day sailing

This was the first chance I had to watch my design sail from another boat.
In this video the boat "shifted gears" and effortlessly went onto a plane; bow is up and the water is streaming straight off the transom.
As you can see there isn't much wind and the boat is just cruising at a steady 11 knots leaving almost no wake

I talked to Kevin about his boat after this and he commented, "there is no sense of the boat hopping onto a plane; it just gains speed smoothly and goes faster."

You'll also see a small puff hits the boat and it heels slightly; aboard the boat there is not much drama as the hull form/keel combination kick in to utilize the energy from the puff and the boat accelerates.

Jim I have watched the video yesterday and what you say about the wind puff is obvious even to someone that has not been on the boat at that time....that is really what it impressed me.....that is really a good designed little toy that any of us would like to have!

[Nrg85]

How are you satisfied with your mast?

[Kevin Farrar]

Hi Nrg85,
Very pleased. Hall Spars did a beautiful job with fantastic attention to every detail. We had only four days to sail the boat before winter and the boatyard wanted it out and with today's winter storm I am very glad it's on it's trailer.
The spar is very stiff and light which to me seems like a great combination. The next time the mast goes in we will increase the rake somewhat and I will be able to increase the rig tension more than I was able to with the temporary system I had set up for the launch.
Kevin

[Savage 17]

Hi Nrg85,
Very pleased. Hall Spars did a beautiful job with fantastic attention to every detail. We had only four days to sail the boat before winter and the boatyard wanted it out and with today's winter storm I am very glad it's on it's trailer.
The spar is very stiff and light which to me seems like a great combination. The next time the mast goes in we will increase the rake somewhat and I will be able to increase the rig tension more than I was able to with the temporary system I had set up for the launch.
Kevin

The mast was pricey right Kevin? I thought I heard it was $15k for it......

[Trevor B]

Kevin,
Did you go with synthetic shrouds? If so, what kind & brand?
Thanks