BD has liftable rudder blades. Because they are canted forward they lose balance as they are lifted. This is less of a problem at the lower speeds that should be sailed in shallow waters. How much lower and how much board is needed are yet to be determined. If it is not possible, there are some other options to try, but if it is a function of blade in the water, then a keel of some sort will probably be required.
You would not have to raise or lower the sails each shunt. The balance stays the same as the rig rotates.
Some interesting observations from Nol
Shunting goes well when you put the (new) back rudder in a straight forward position before you pull in the rig.
Shunting goes effortless when battens of the main sail are not yet flipped over, so the sail is rounded the wrong way as long as possible.
The mainsail then turns the rig by itself, the jib catches wind and the ship picks up some speed without turning into the wind.
You do not even need to take care of the (new) front rudder, because the water will make it turn to the right position when the boat starts moving in the new direction.
In light winds you have to give the mainsail a little shake to make it flip over. In 3 or 4 Beaufort the wind does that for you.
Yesterday I did some solo shunts and I picked up anchored fenders from the water in 4 Beaufort, without getting tired.
I may even start to like this aero rig....
Shunting goes effortless when battens of the main sail are not yet flipped over, so the sail is rounded the wrong way as long as possible.
The mainsail then turns the rig by itself, the jib catches wind and the ship picks up some speed without turning into the wind.
You do not even need to take care of the (new) front rudder, because the water will make it turn to the right position when the boat starts moving in the new direction.
In light winds you have to give the mainsail a little shake to make it flip over. In 3 or 4 Beaufort the wind does that for you.
Yesterday I did some solo shunts and I picked up anchored fenders from the water in 4 Beaufort, without getting tired.
I may even start to like this aero rig....
rob
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