Hi Wayne
The interior and overall deck space is impressive. It would be very comfortable for two couples or family of four for extended cruise. It has heads in either end of the ww hull and room for double bed or two singles in either end. These private sleeping quarters are separated by a galley area. The enclosed cabin at deck level could seat up to 8 for dining. At present it just has fold up chairs. The interior is unfinished.
The lw hull is easier enough to enter at either end and walk through to mast or rudders but really only suitable for storage of gear.
Overall it is far more spacious than a 42ft sailing cat I have spent a little time on. The open deck space has room for dancing if you were inclined.
Many aspects of this boat are novel. The boat weighs 4t and so far everything is firm and feels solid. The entire boat is glass over polycore. I have a few cutouts from recent mods and the layups are first class based on observation - I have not yet done any quantifiable adhesion tests. All panels were vacuum infused and owner had previous experience with this on closed cell foam.
The hulls would have been even simpler to build if their bottoms were flat but the round shape is based on the mistaken belief that round sections have less drag. This boat would be semi-planing at the speeds achieved if it had flat bottoms. I believe it would handle better If the bows were lifting rather than digging in.
The novelty of the boat attracts interest. A few times now power boats going past at a distance have made a beeline toward us to take a look.
The sail area is 80sq.m so not puny but it seems out of proportion to the size of the boat when it is put alongside cats and keel boats. Sail area would be a bit small for racing but full sail can be carried to about 20kts, which suits cruising.
Rick
Hello Rick,
Wayne from Melbourne here. I have sailed around the 'Great White Proa' many times recently in my Jarcat 6 this summer, when it was in Williamstown and now at StKilda. The vessel is great to look at, then read about your sail testing later on this forum. She looks a bit strange at first, an acquired taste I think, though having a clean uncluttered look with the unstayed mast. The boat is very long, which is no problem on a mooring or at anchor, how do you feel the interior accom compares to say a 35ft cat. The on deck ares look really easy to live with, out of the wind much of the time if you like due to proa always to windward cabin. The long 18m hull length offset by relatively light (read cheaper) build and lower hp requirement read (smaller rig and sails). Is that a correct assumption? A dash of color or graphics may look good, my boat suffers from the same plain look as I got it painted now just sail it.
Going for a sail today Friday 17th from Hobsons Bay.
PS I love the data you provide too, adds science to the 'Oh it feels great' seat of the pants opinion.
Wayne