Vics been busting for a peek at the new 5.
it aint shiny , it sure aint sexy, and it aint finished by a long shot. After danger testing the mast step position by going out in big winds with a big sail, i was able to settle on a happy mast base location for my body weight.
Ive used the things learnt from" Nappy Rush" to make a soft seat at the back , meaning that I can keep sailing a bigger heavier 5 without stuffing up my slightly tender back. the rear end is a double skin so you can sit on it or in it, without it becoming a covering.
the front is a bit of a "combi van" in aerodynamic terms but feels great and comfy.
your body has no movement sideways at all. . I can finally see the back of the boom and the sail is way higher than the min 450mm. this yacht has a Y chassis closer to a FED 5 than a Pacific Magic.
Stillsome work to do on the sail, 1 more recut at least.
given the similarity to nappyrush , and the 10 bolts in a ring holding the seat rear on, and the fact that it has to be the ugliest 5 built this decade I thought Id call it "RUSHN BRIDE(of Frankenstien)"

Definately one to keep an eye on

Im talking about Paul, as interesting as that Class 5 looks, Im worried about the mental state of the builder. Why does he keep building...and building...and building... I suppose its all ok so long as we hear how it sails, all part of the R&D process.

Seriously, I hope it pushes the performance envelope and gives you a great time sailing Eagerly awaiting a performance report and more pics.

lachlan3556 said...

Definately one to keep an eye on

, Im worried about the mental state of the builder. Why does he keep building...and building...and building...

when you get to my age there is a certain moment each day when you sit on your throneand have time to contemplate all manner of things.
so why not design things in your head. this yacht has 5 experiments going at one time. mast base , sheeting height,pedal adjustment for bodyweight, 3 mast tops, wheel angles.
performance wise ,Ive only taken it out in +20knts and only with a full sail.
the first day out consisted of a series of backflips and steering failures, that destroyed 1 tyre and wore through the rear of the seat in one afternoon..
the rear wheels are actually italian!, from a self propelled mower.
Argentinian sail, Japanese steel , aussie pulleys, sheet Rope from the USA
tyres from Thialand.

no wind this weekend, and Hannans lake is back to being hard after the rains.
what a frustrating week . we spent 3 days on the edge of Lake Lefroy looking out over dry white salt and being blasted by winds, then come the weekend there is barely a breath.
sunday turned into an opportunity to get moving again on a new nappy Rush
already christened "rushnn doll" . got the rear axles, front shaft and seat mounts fitted, and the chassis aligned, so Im pleased with the days progress

gotta have a few secrets new mini is nothing but an attempt to rebuild th old one after realizing i didnt take an measurements[}:)]. slght mods for simplicity, but otherwise the same.

love the concept.

Cheers
Vic

every bit of weight you put on over winter seems to sweat off come summer