On Tue, Feb 4, 2014 at 4:28 PM, Arto Hakkarainen <ahakkara@yahoo.com> wrote:

Rudders: since the cat was thrown backwards or sideways the kick up feature probably wouldn't have helped.

Backwards, it would have.  Sideways, it should be strong enough. 

Rigs: Rob what do you think of the swing-wing rig (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m25fBUaz43g )  as an option to your designs? In theory and without any experience with such rigs they seem like a promising option.

Pretty much the same as Mike (as usual).  The Pha ones are a bit agricultural and have too many strings,  The Matin Bleu and Beneteau ones look much nicer.  I worry about the leading edge in strong winds, but it does not seem to be a problem.  I would need to go for a sail  before committing.  Would also like to see some relative costings.  

Mike, don't build too small or any performance differences will be swamped by the excess weight.  Quickest/cheapest is cheap ply with flat bottom (in both directions), straight sides and flat deck.  2 sheets would be long enough.  Avoid screws in the play as much as possible.  Lee hull needs to be deep enough to support the mast, say 10% of the length (may make it worthwhile putting some negative sheer in the deck, but I doubt it) and keep the beams (straight alloy tubes) out of the water.  If you want any drawings, let me know.

rob