Introducing the Streamline

Madforsailing look at the latest trapeze/keelboat from Germany

On the Harley Racing Yachts stand at the Southampton Boat Show was another three-man mini keel boat, although forget the gentle modern dayboat concept. This is a full-on 'dinghy with a keel' twin trapeze, masthead spinnaker machine - more a Gentleman's Skiff.

The Streamline has been sailing in Germany and Austria and has achieved sponsorship from Audi who backed the recent Baltic Match Race at Travemunder Week, sailed in Streamlines and which included Ben Ainslie (he finished fifth).

At 7.15m long and 2.55m wide with an all up weight of 600kg (200kg in the bulb keel) and a sail area of 33.2sqm with a 51sqm spinnaker and two of the three-man crew on trapeze, these boats have plenty of potential.

Rigged in dinghy style with a double spreader aluminium mast, the self-draining cockpit and flared hull form have a 505 look. The hull also incorporates side tank lockers that can store the boom and sails.

Rig controls are lead to the front face of the centre console, with the mainsail controlled via a centre strop and multi purchase block system.

Nigel Harley thought that the performance of the boats coupled with a conventional spinnaker made them ideal for Solent type racing and interest had been so great that he intended to start production in Cowes this winter with boats available for early next season.

You can reach Nigel on 01983 280060 to arrange a demo sail.