One-and-a-half-maran?

Last week we ran a picture of a pretty wild proa, and promised some dope on it. here ye be.

Thought you may be interested in the recent launching of Elementarry, a 7.5m/25' proa with 4m/13' windward hull.

Schooner rigged, unstayed carbon masts, telescoping beams (2.4-4m / 8'-14'), 22 sqm//235 sq' sail, and weighing 120 kgs/266 lbs, although the next one will be considerably less.

A few issues to be resolved, mainly with the sails and me getting fit enough to move around quickly, but so far it goes pretty well.

Moulds for the camping version are currently underway in Brazil, and moulds for the racing version (carbon/Nomex) are underway in Belgium as soon as the 5 axis milling machine is available.

Pricing is uncertain until the moulds are complete. A one off racing version is currently approximately $AUS 25,000/$US19,000. A one off cruising version, $AUS 30,000/$US 22,500, both ex Australia. The production versions should be considerably less. Plans for strip plank cedar or foam are available for $AUS 1,000/$US 750.

We will be racing the first 2 of the race versions in Europe (Texel, Bol d'Or, Centomiglia, Round Isle of Wight etc etc), this summer, all going well. Anybody wanting to crew, have a look, or go for a sail, please get in touch with rob at proa@iinet.net.au

2/10/05