During a recent day of sailing off Newport, Rhode Island, Hull #1 reveled in perfect sailing conditions, with easterly winds between 15 and 20 degrees. Sailing to windward, the boat was balanced and easy to drive in the moderate swell. To windward, the boat lit up under a massive but easy to handle A-sail.
A narrow beam and deep, high rudder make the boat easy to control, even when on the ear. A 7-foot-2-inch bulb keel provides the righting moment needed to control the 751 square feet of working sail and 1,410 square feet of spinnaker. Tacking, even in the chop off Newport Neck, was effortless, with precise helm control throughout and no doubt about the possibility of crossing to the other tack. In the puffs, the boat accelerated like flipping a switch.
This is a boat that looks impressive just from the dock. The stem is plumb, so much so that in profile it almost looks like there's a hint of a tumble. The stern is also almost vertical, with minimal overhang, with the aim of maximizing sailing length.
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