Multihull feedback

Keith Burrage
The most awesome boats in the world? They sure are, a simple 'box' formula, left well alone, like the original OSTAR, has developed the fastest, fun to sail, dependable, even durable offshore sailboats ever! Their popularity strengthens at a time the traditional Grand Prix (Admirals Cup) is floundering. Time for the rest of the world to catch up? How about some 30 & 40 Classes for Joe Public?

From Hannu Järvelä
60ft trimarans for the next Volvo Ocean Race? I would say H*ll Yes! Only problem would be on the organising side. They will reach the finish line days/weeks before the monohulls (if they participate ) that they would have to wait for weeks at the harbour. However there might be a good chance to hold the Grand Prix circuit during the stop overs. This way the racing on those magnificent machines would have another aspect: reliability. Of course these new generation boats are reliable, but that way it would be proven for the big public also.

There is a small problem though. These boats are very optimised for the sailing weight and do not have the capability to carry enough food and equipment for the full crew of eight, which they carry on Grand Prixs. Perhaps the Volvo Ocean Race should be driven with crew of two or perhaps four? Or should we consider that the Volvo Ocean Race is driven with those magnificent multihulls that participated on The Race, or perhaps both classes? At least if those big ones are brought to the start line, there would be some use to those monsters, not just record breaking and sponsor events. just my thoughts,

From Julian Borrel
60ft trimarans for the next Volvo Ocean Race? great idea ! Finest, fastest, most challenging boats in the world. Let's get rid of those antiques lead carriers monohulls!

From Thom Davis
60ft trimarans for the next Volvo Ocean Race? Since it appears that in the TJV the 60 foot tris are providing the same sort of competition as the open 60s, I think it would be a good idea for the tri's to have a start. Do they have the capacity to carry enough food/water to get through the doldrums? R/Thom Davis

And also from Thom
Is this more interesting then the Volvo Ocean Race and if so, why? The conditions--Duh! How much fun is it to read about a drifting match (VOR) compared to 35 knot winds and surf (not to mention hitting whales at 18 knots) (TJV). Now, this may change in other legs of the VOR, but right now, this is the most exciting race being reported.

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