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simonmd · 03-01-2011, 07:51

Another mast type question but this doesn't have to be specifically about cats. I been sent some details of a very unusual cat' that has 'Aero Rigs' and TWO of them as well!

So, my question is, A, any major pros / cons to having this sort of twin mast setup on a cat' and B, generaly, what do you guys think about these 'new fangled' Aerorigs? Seems very space age to me but I'd imagine the fact that they are self tacking, etc. would make them easy to use single handed?

multihullsailor6 · 03-01-2011, 11:57

simonmd,

I have sailed 1,000M+ on the Jeff Schionning designed original Radical Bay 8000 now called "SmartOne" off Cape Twon (see the lower picture below) - for me this is the way to go. The sails, halyards, sheets and blocks are all smaller and more manageable. The sailing is slightly different with many more trimming options combined to a single mast configuration. As to single handling my answer is "most suitable".

The Aerorig (if original it was produced by a company now no longer in existance) and now sometimes called the "Easyrig" is self tacking. You have however now four sails to handle. I have no personal experience of sailing with an Aerorig / Easyrig.

If and when I have a cat built for me I will specify an unstayed bi-rig configuration with a WOW Wally Omer Wingsail configuration (see the higher picture) - I think that would be the ultimate mast and sails combination.

multihullsailor6 · 04-01-2011, 11:38

simonmd,

the cat in the picture I haven't come across yet - how big is she?

simonmd · 04-01-2011, 14:29

She's 14.3m or 47ft. As far as I know, she is a one off design, custom built in 2005, quite an unusual bit of kit eh?

multihullsailor6 · 06-01-2011, 10:53

simonmd,

Aerorigs / Easyrigs are nothing really new, they have been around since the early 80s ? and have been used on all types of craft but have never really had the breaktrough I think they deserve

.

Here are some more pictures of such crafts:

shadow · 06-01-2011, 11:30

I've seen a few as well, no actual hands on experience, but it does seem easier to me. I think it would be obvious that you would have a myriad of trimming options as stated. I saw one for sale on a gorgeous mono..

multihullsailor6 · 06-01-2011, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadow

I've seen a few as well, no actual hands on experience, but it does seem easier to me. I think it would be obvious that you would have a myriad of trimming options as stated. I saw one for sale on a gorgeous mono..

I know a Beneteau 50 was equipped with an Aerorig some time back.

And there is "Snow Leopard" a 40' ? Kelsall cat out of Millbrook in the UK which is happily sailing.

Aussiesuede · 06-01-2011, 13:42

This 52ft Shuttleworth designed catamaran with an aerorig is very near completion and due for launch this year:

simonmd · 06-01-2011, 17:57

Now that is beautifull!

multihullsailor6 · 07-01-2011, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussiesuede

This 52ft Shuttleworth designed catamaran with an aerorig is very near completion and due for launch this year:

Hi Aussiesuede,

Where is this one being built? Is she the one which has been on the Shuttleworth website for some time?
AND
Can I please go for a sail on her!

Sand crab · 16-01-2011, 17:00

Just be careful when looking at the aerorig. The company had some major manufacturing problems which probably led to their demise. There was a post somewhere about a monohull that had one that would not stay upright. The rig was made about a 1000 lbs too heavy over specs which caused excessive rolling at anchor and probably didn't help the sailing characteristics either. I recall seeing pics of the owner cutting the brand new mast into itsy bitsy peices with a sawzall and installing a conventional rig. But they do have their good points as prevously stated however I beleive they carry less sail area so they would probably be slower.

simonmd · 16-01-2011, 17:15

I saw that as well. It should be noted that i'm enquiring about this general design, not just the Aerorig company which I believe no is longer trading. The one I pictured above, is some kind of 'custom' build, no specific manufacturer.

multihullsailor6 · 17-01-2011, 10:42

Rob Denney in Australia will custom build you a lightweight and strong "Easy Rig" as he calls it.

colcampey · 01-04-2011, 03:29

I have one of Rob Denney's designs - "Rare Bird" (see www.harryproa.com for a video of Rare Bird at 15 knots in wind of similar speed). My next multihull will definitely have an unstayed rig - probably a Ballestron - much safer, easy to depower, excellent performance.
Looking at an Aereorig equipped cat for sailing in Europe,
Cheers,
Col