Trimaran F-85SR

racingfoiling

There had been some interest received in regards to a design for the NZ 8.5 rule, and while I usually prefer not to design to rules, the 8.5 rule is a simple one, plus it limits rig size to where design and crew skills are more important than just brute power. The F-82 is already a good performer under the 8.5 rule (race example), even though smaller and with a roomy cruising style cabin, so I took a little time to explore using the F-82 as the basis for a more race orientated F-85SR (for experienced sailors only). This will have longer hulls and a taller rig to fit the rule, and a cut down cabin, so it will be significantly faster again. Standard racing cabin is a short cuddy cabin, but the standard F-82 length cruising cabin is optional. Float rudders will be optional, and float sterns are squared off to allow this, but I think float rudder are more complicated for only limited benefits, while all round performance may suffer. The main advantage of the F-85SR will be the greatly increased performance over the F-82/F-25C, with its taller rig and floats that have a massive 600lbs more buoyancy. Plus it stills retain genuine trailerabilty (in minutes, not hours) and a roomy cabin, so it can still double as a cruiser (with care) when needed. It will be a tough boat, everything will work as it should, all of which will contribute to an excellent resale value once its racing days are over, plus it would be much easier to sell than a pure racer with no room.