Page updated 2/1/2001
It takes time to develop a new line of boat. Even more time when the boat is of completely new design and concept to fit the new Formula 48 Class. Through the courtesy of Doug Lord (microSAIL) we have been provided with a series of photographs that show how the development of the catamaran is taking place.
Originally, the first photos were of a pair of hulls, yellow in color (kevlar) with a few black, carbon fiber cross-tubes.
This marked the first effort at building this exciting new boat. In the time that followed, Doug kept up with the orders he was receiving for other R/C models, and also was experimenting with some hydrofoil concepts. Add in the "Power Ballast Sytem" design work and you can easily see why there is a length of time between initial design and completed boat.
Following are additional photos of the continued development of this exciting, maximum performance catamaran.
The close up of the T-Foil daggerboard system shows the detail of the foil as well as the adjusment system to increase or decrease the angle of attack of the foil, relative to the water. The other two photos show Doug's D4Z with winch and radio "pod" attached, and also the "Power Ballast System" in place.
For more information, or to place your initial order and be the first one on your pond to "FLY" - you can contact Doug at the microSAIL web site. Click here. More development photos will follow as construction progresses.