Designers’ Comments
The infusion of the new thermoplastic resin involves three components rather than two but that is the only real difference in the production process
VPLP Naval Architects The hull lines feature fuller forward sections and a generous overall beam for a highly powerful hull in terms of righting moment. We have given the boat a narrow waterline beam at low angles of heel to preserve its speed capacity in light winds, and rocker lines with a relatively high aft chine to help the trim of the boat when hiking aft. We think it will be thrilling to sail but easy to control.
One design concept • Sail area : displacement ratio higher than a typical IRC racer/cruiser
• Not an extreme boat but still more powerful and lively than an IRC- optimised boat
‘There is very little that we have to do
differently in production which makes this process very practical,’ he continues. ‘The moulds are the same as we would use for a polyester laminate and we have the same structural properties, so the design of the boat hasn’t had to change to accommodate the new resin. What does change slightly is the infusion process as there are now three components rather than two, but that is the only real difference. ‘It's a big breakthrough for the industry and Groupe Bénéteau is really proud of it.’ And therein lies another reason as
to why the new SF30OD looks set to do well. Being built by the world’s biggest production builder provides clear advantages when it comes to drawing on the expertise of an organisation that is well versed in this type of manufacture. But just how big is the market for another 30-footer? ‘The power of the Bénéteau and Jeanneau Group and their global aspirations for this kind of boat means
that they understand where the price point needs to be,’ says Colley. ‘And then there’s the size of the short-handed market in northern Europe, which has exploded in the last two or three years. I don’t see any signs yet of that weakening. ‘For a while during the pandemic
shorthanded sailing was the only racing in town and owners of boats that would normally
‘Designed to reduce the cost of competing and the expense of optimisation’
accommodate 10-12 crew came across the shorthanded scene. Interestingly, many of them
haven’t gone back. They find the personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment is greater, the cost is more acceptable and from there success has bred success. You only have to look at the entries for the upcoming Fastnet race where probably one third of the total fleet is going to be double-handed. So the market is big. But we have to make sure that people can access it and that means making it available and affordable which in turn means a well-priced, competitive boat with a good circuit of events’.
www.sea-ventures.co.uk
• About 1 ton lighter than a comparable IRC racer/cruiser
• A simple boat: no foils, no water ballast, making it accessible and easy for maintenance
• Certified A4 so eligible for transatlantic racing in a fully crewed or double- handed format
Construction details • Hull made in monolithic fibreglass infused with Elium resin, some reinforced areas
• Hull counter-mould made in fibreglass infused with Elium resin
• Bulkheads made in fibreglass or plywood sandwich with PET foam
• Deck made in sandwich infused fibreglass / Elium and PET foam
• Cast iron keel fin and lead bulb
• Rudders made in monolithic fibreglass infusion with unidirectional carbon reinforced areas
❑
The moulds are the same as Bénéteau would use for a polyester laminate
The boat’s rocker lines and relatively high chine are designed to improve its fore-and-aft trim when hiking aft
SEAHORSE 73
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