The Concept
This design was developed as a prototype in
two versions - one with a full keel, and one with a cruising fin / skeg
hung rudder combination (see below). Both are shown here... Planned
primarily for comfortable and safe ocean voyaging, as well as excellent
performance, aluminum construction has been chosen for its combination
of strength and lightness.
The Interior
The interior layout is planned to be very much like the 36' ketch Grace. An
interior view of Grace can be seen here.
The Hull Form
The single chine hull form was chosen on the
basis of its simplicity, economy of construction and for good performance
under sail. Hull surfaces are fully developable for maximum ease of plating.
The profile illustrates a nicely balanced spoon-bow,
fantail-stern ketch. Particulars are: 33' LOA x 28.44' LWL x 10'
Beam x 4' Draft. With a design displacement of 11,000 lb, the Fantail 33 is quite light for her length. Both keel configurations are intended to provide an ideal combination of windward ability and excellent tracking
at sea.
The after-deck is raised in order to give more
storage room in the lazarette as well as more leg room for quarter berths. The
main benefit to the raised afterdeck is increased reserve buoyancy aft
for a much more dry experience at sea...!
The Rig
The ketch rig works well for ocean cruising
and provides a generous sail area. The Fantail 33 makes use of the same rig as the 36' ketch, Grace. The mizzen mast provides a good hand-hold when emerging from the companionway. The
mizzen mast serves as the compass binnacle, and an awning can be spread
over the mizzen boom.
The ketch rig provides quite a number of well-balanced
sail combinations. The main and the stays'l when used alone have nearly the same balance as the whole sail plan, and will allow easy tacking in close quarters. The boat will also tack easily with only the mains'l set. Another
equally well balanced combination is just the mizzen and the jib, to
keep the foredeck clear while stowing the ground tackle - appropriate
for getting under way from an anchorage.
One of the excellent benefits of the ketch
rig as it is drawn is the manageable size of the sails. The mains'l
- the largest sail - is well inboard where it can be handled safely and
easily.
