Cat designers are largely bound by a comfort concept, and thermal control is a part of that suite of requirements. These boats are by and large intended to serve a vast bare boat market that guarantees a strong repeat business in shorter transits and warmer climates.

As you point out, this has evolved into near vertical glass and overhangs. Although some other elements are missing if we wished to enhance the practicality of lessening glass area while maximizing its effectiveness. The closer ones seated positions is to the eye height of standing persons results in less glass height, necessitating higher lounges and seating, with adjustable helm positions to save you from grinding off the soles off your boat shoes and microwaving the carpets.

There are also other benefits, where the weight and cost of glass is reduced and narrower glazing carries less thickness for equal strength than the lengthier glass it replaces. While the working area of the cabin makes the most of headroom right out to the perimeter.

Rather than extensive overhangs, hard knuckles above and below the window line inset glazing into the cabin structure. Reducing overhangs is also safer while on deck in a seaway and increases the effectiveness of deck area.

Given those considerations, I think its possible that a smaller cabin could have very similar accommodation to the larger more wind cheating yet sprawling design. Reducing the area will go a long way to equaling the aero drag in a pursuit largely about comfort over speed.

Inset narrow glazing provides a strong muscular statement even if the cabin needs more attention to detail to make the plan work for the majority of people.

• New Members 1