In Design

The Next Level
We thought the new Storm Trysail-Transpac 65 made sense - a new big boat class; a direction and momentum for the big guns, and the chance to (hopefully) see a class develop with new designs, boats and the whole shebang. We asked Farr Yacht Design, who have the first 65 (Rosebud) under way to give us the dope, and here it is. Enjoy.

The Storm Trysail - Transpac 65 is a high performance, light displacement, fixed keel box rule class announced early in August this year. It is very satisfying to report considerable interest from serious owners wanting competitive racing in boats of this size following many months of helping Bill Lee and others assemble this rule. Roger Sturgeon and his project manager, Malcolm Park of ROSEBUD fame, have been an integral part of the rule creation and commissioned Farr Yacht Design to design the first boat of this class.

The "box" sets an LOA of 20 meters (65.6ft), displacement range of 13,000 kg to 13,400 kg, beam range 4.5m to 4.8m, a lifting keel that allows a generous racing draft of 4.8m (15' 9"); and a healthy sail plan. The lifting keel will reduce draft to 3.3m (10' 10"). Displacement/length and sail area/displacement ratios are between the TP52's and VO70's giving promise that the boat will deliver lively performance in long distance and buoy events.

Our studies for ROSEBUD involved gathering weather data and race modeling for Roger's proposed campaign and investigating rule variables to determine beam waterline, displacement, hull shape choices and appendage sizing that would best fit the schedule. A full program of worldwide events is anticipated which necessitated good all round performance. We have the expectation that the boat will have excellent performance under IRC.

Westerly Marine of Santa Ana, California has started construction and the expected launch date is end of April 2007.