Sailing
One of the upgrades in the 421 is the introduction of a flat
topped mainsail. The 420 had a 66.4 sqm area. The sail we
used, being flat topped and fully battened appeared huge
and impressive and whilst it is only 3sqm larger it seemed
more. The mainsail cars are track mounted and it was easy
to hoist the sail. Once we unfurled the 36sqm genoa we
were under way. All controls are from the helm position and it
is easy to do.
We sailed in a 13 – 15 knot wind with a slight sea. It
was lovely sailing on quite a warm summer’s day. Our
performance (knots) was measured by GPS and wind speed
fluctuated from 13-15 knots true wind:
Main and headsail close hauled - 6.4kts
Main and headsail fine reach (45%) – 8.1 kts
View across the cockpit to the helm position
Main and headsail reach (90%) – 6.4 kts
Main and headsail broad reach (120%) – 5.9 kts
We did not have a spinnaker or gennaker on board so were
not able to use it.
It was very easy to handle the boat with all controls led to
the helm position. There is a lot of sail to handle and whilst
sheeting in the last couple of inches on the genoa it was hard
work.
Being reasonably heavy there was the momentum to punch
through chop without really slowing down and when we
came to tack she was quickly through the wind without
having to ease the main sheet. It made for trouble free sailing.
We completed a series of tacks and she tacked through 105
degrees.
Whilst we were out there was a 45 ft Swan under full sail
and we sailed to windward quite easily with them. Whilst we
did not sail as close to the wind, our speed was comparable
The side decks are flat and wide and it is easy to
move forward
View across the foredeck showing the good
anchoring arangement
JULY 2009 : MULTIHULL REVIEW 15
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