There's a new boat on the market by US designer Christopher Beckwith, designed for those not willing or able to go the traditional route. The i550, at 5.5m long and 800lbs, she's a homebuilt little dude for a crew of three. There are currently 30 boats built, or in production around the globe, with the highest concentration in Australia and the USA. The boat is easily built from 1/4" ply and glass using the "stitch-and-glue" method. Add a rig and sails, also available in kit form, and you're ready to go.

Sailing the boat is nothing short of fun. She'll easily do hull speed upwind and exceed it in the right conditions as she gets on a plane, yes, upwind. With a bulb keel of small boat proportions coming in close to 150lbs, you'll feel some big boat stability, but retain that small boat performance. Downwind, nothing short of an adrenaline rush as you hoist the masthead asymmetric and bear off on a plane. Due to the wide flair on the hull, you've got a narrow waterline and maximum beam for crew to hike out on. This flair also helps with a nice dry ride when the spray is flying.

Accommodations down below are minimal, but there is room for two to sleep, and plenty of room for gear, sail stowage, lunch and beers. Add a small outboard, and you are all set, however the boat is maneuverable enough that you should be able to sail out of even the most awkward of harbors.

Plans are a modest $75US and the boat can be built complete for around $5000 and 200 hours of your time.

for more information checkout http://www.i550sportboat.com. Photos are courtesy of fellow Anarchist Andrew Clauson, first Australian i550.

04/18/07