Owen Clarke Design LLP plays Jaz 40

First monohull of this new generation to be launched in 2009

Owen Clarke Design has been continually analysing and updating information in the expectation that a new Class 40 would be required for races commencing in the 2009 season. Changes in the class rules, observation from on the water and forecasts for the future development in the class have influenced some of the new yachts parameters. The systematic analysis of a number of new hull designs has been undertaken and the existing hull form as seen for example on the Jaz 40 has been used as a comparison datum.


This new ORC Category 1 maximum beam design is aimed at Class 40 owner/drivers who want more horsepower within the Class 40 rule restrictions. To achieve the minimum 4500kg weight all the internal structure where appropriate doubles as the supports and panels for the class mandatory bunks and domestic fit out requirements. A posted fabricated keel fin along with under hull rudders will be the standard appendages. Since the Class 40 rules limit upwind sail area to 115 m2, the reaching and downwind sail areas are only limited by what the yacht is able to carry and the sailors’ ability to handle the sail sizes. With this in mind the rig has been relocated further aft allowing for a significant increase in size of the headsails, spinnakers, code sails and gaining a much higher aspect ratio mainsail. The new rig will be available in either two or three spreader arrangements.

Having worked closely on performance comparisons between the existing and new generation design it is clear that the wider beam boats have strengths in certain areas over the existing narrow beam design. However, effectively exploiting this area of the performance envelope will require more than just extra horsepower, careful consideration will need to be given to the performance crossovers for the sail plan and the ballast configurations, here, owners will have the opportunity to work on a one on one basis with the designers and their own selected sail makers exploiting any possible advantage they may be able to gain for a particular race or series.

This latest generation of Class 40 racing yachts is a result of three years ongoing development and will represent a significant evolution within one of the most competitive and rapidly expanding offshore racing classes.
Our first custom design of this latest generation is for a renowned UK based sailor, who will be making an entry into the Class 40 racing circuit with this new yacht in 2009 culminating in the Route du Rhum of 2010. Meanwhile a limited production run of 6-8 boats is due to be made by UK based Osprey Racing Yachts. Construction is due to commence in April 2008 with the first boat launched in October 2008.

Press information Owen Clarke Design LLP / www.owenclarkedesign.com

LE NOUVEAU BATEAU DE MARC THIERCELIN PREND FORME

DCNS, le nouveau 60 pieds IMOCA de Marc Thiercelin prend forme chez Multiplast à Vannes. Le démoulage de la coque vient d'être mené à bien. La DCNS réalise d'ailleurs pour le bateau plusieurs opératinons, dont la fabrication du voile de quille dans un acier utilisé par les sous-marins.

Le nouveau 60 pieds de Marc Thiercelin en vue du Vendée Globe est en cours de construction chez Multiplast, à Vannes. L’ensemble coque, structures et cloisons étant finalisé, l’opération délicate du démoulage de la coque vient de se dérouler sur le chantier. La coque du voilier DCNS trône désormais dans l’atelier, résultat d’une étroite collaboration entre les architectes du cabinet Finot-Conq et l’équipe Multiplast. La liaison pont-coque sera réalisée à partir de cette semaine.__DCNS, le nouveau partenaire du skipper rochelais, apporte plusieurs contributions à la construction du bateau. Ainsi, DCNS réalise un voile de quille qui sera fabriqué dans un acier utilisé pour les sous-marins. Des études de résistance et de fatigue ont été menées par les équipes du site DCNS de Lorient selon les spécificités de l’architecte du bateau. La fabrication du voile de quille, qui est réalisée par les équipes des centres DCNS de Cherbourg et d’Indret, fait également appel à une technologie industrielle de pointe (la soudure par faisceau d’électrons). __Par ailleurs, durant toute la construction du bateau, le laboratoire du centre DCNS d’Indret effectuera des contrôles réguliers de la coque ainsi que des tests de résistance mécanique sur des chutes de carbone. En outre, le site DCNS de Brest fabrique les bers qui soutiennent le bateau lorsque celui-ci est au sec.