Family cruiserr

The keel is a long, low-aspect-ratio fin, giving the boat a 6-foot draft. Wings have been designed that stretch almost the entire keel tip length. The wings will help lower the VCG and, properly designed, should increase the apparent aspect ratio of the fin; although I wonder if they will act like the world's biggest Bruce anchor when you ground in sand.

The rudder shows an unusual profile with a little nipple on the trailing edge heel. I would guess this rudder has about 20 percent balance area. This is a lot, the most I have ever seen on a sailboat. Beam is modest. This hull type will be at its best in a good blow with the wind ahead of the beam, and it will be a soft and confident ride.

The sailplan is almost a true cutter rig. Note the mast is well aft leaving plenty of room for the staysail. There are fore and aft lower shrouds and two spreaders.

I know the hardtop takes a little getting used to-it's eye spinach-but keep in mind that this feature was probably a requirement of this design. Once on board you can't stand back and admire the profile anyway, so this feature will soon endear itself to the owners and crew due to its uncompromised function.

Note the mainsheet traveler on top of the hardtop. You will need either a Leisure Furl-type boom or in-the-mast furling on this boat, since there is no way you can reach the foot of this sail easily for furling. The SA/D is 14.84.

The interior is laid out with accommodations for a couple aft and two staterooms forward for kids or crew. The galley is great with plenty of counter space and a huge reefer-freezer unit. The reefer is above the counter level and front-opening.

Adjacent to the galley, on the other side of the cockpit well, is a large nav center. The dining area looks skimpy, but I suppose you could pull up a couple of folding captain's chairs. The table looks small for seating six people for a meal.

The forward staterooms are spacious and have plenty of locker space. Note the location of the shower stall ahead of the staterooms. This makes sense to me although I'm confused as to how the starboard staterooms' access to the shower works. The drawing is ambiguous on this detail. There is a small lazarette aft and a big fo'c'sle forward.

This vessel will be built in aluminum and will carry 210 gallons of fuel and 210 gallons of water.