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UD18
The new UD18 is creating waves of anticipation and excitement throughout the sailing world. The 5.8 metre, lead assisted skiff (LAS) is a design collaboration between designers, Julian Bethwaite and Martin Billock of B&B Design, and Chris Mitchell from Access Dinghies. An innovative array of equipment combinations will enable a variety of sailing configurations, so that the UD18 can be sailed as either a sedate training boat, or as an exhilarating, high-performance yet stable skiff for either one or two sailors. Here are comments from sea trials:
I have been involved with the development of the new UD18 and have sailed the prototype on a number of occasions and in varying wind conditions. My first “on the water” experience was in light to moderate conditions (8 – 12 knots) on Port Philip Bay, an open expanse of water approximately 35 miles wide near Melbourne, Australia. The boat was exceptionally well balance and responsive. To gain an indication of performance, we tagged into a Beneteau 7.5 race series. Up wind, we had a slight speed advantage and were the lead boat to the weather mark on two of the three races. Downwind the Beneteaus with their large asymmetrical spinnakers had a speed advantage and by the leeward mark we were about mid fleet. As the wind increased the planning ability of the UD18 boosted our downwind performance and we were then able to hold our own and sail away from the bigger yachts. Our competitors later stated they were amazed by the speed and maneuverability of this skiff type yacht. My second experience was in extreme sailing conditions where the wind was 20 knots with gusts to 30 knots. An early “prudent” decision was made to not fly the asymmetrical spinnaker. The performance was exhilarating to say the least. Upwind the UD18 heeled to about 20 degrees and then stayed there. To test the righting moments the yacht was purposely beared away without easing the sheets. The heel remained constant, obviously the bulb keel was working overtime and the twin rudders enabled steering control to be maintained. Downwind, the yacht jumped onto a plane and, according to the on board GPS, speeds in the mid 11 knot range were maintained for extended periods. Although it is most unlikely that the yacht would be raced in these conditions it is encouraging to know if caught out the yacht is capable of being sailed back to safety. For background information, I have been competitively sailing for over thirty years. I have successfully raced at national and international levels winning one design championships in Fireballs, 470s, Flying Dutchman, Etchells and Thunderbirds. I have also competed in many Australian and International offshore events including 9 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races. In my “spare time” I am the principal of Horizon Sailmakers. I am also been a supporter of disabled sailing. Happy
Sailing,
Any combination of keel ballast, seating and/or steering options ensures that regardless of ability, beginners can learn to sail in forgivingly configured UD18 and progress to more advanced configurations as their skill, knowledge and confidence increases. Once experienced, sailors can enjoy the exhilaration and fun of flying a spinnaker, out on trapeze. In early November the International Foundation of Disabled Sailing’s Equipment Evaluation Committee will assess the UD18 for selection in the 2008 Paralympic Sailing Competition in Singapore. During recent trials on Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne the UD18 was clocked by GPS reaching at 8.6 knots on flat water in a 20 knot breeze, with gusts to 30 knots. Photos
by Colin Johanson |
With
the selection in November of a new boat to be used for a new discipline
in the Paralympics, we thought is would be nice to see one of the choices.
The choices I believe, but am not positive on are the 
