After almost 2 years in part-time construction I'm happy to announce that the experimental 10 meter catamaran 'Skydancer' is just about finished. We have been out testing the boat in a variety of wind conditions and so far everything has worked out. The boat even tacks quite well and goes to windward about as well as a low-tech design like this can be expected.
Photo at left shows the off-center mizzen and the twin kick-up rudders connected by a length of bamboo. We can sail right up to the shore just like a Hobie Cat.
The main mast is just a fairly straight skinny tree trunk wrapped with epoxy-impregnated fiberglass cloth. The mainsail rides up the mast inside a length of 1/2 inch waterpipe enclosed in a U-shaped wooden molding with a slot cut in it for the sail. Works just as well as expensive sail track and slides. Battenless main and jib were made by Lee Sails of Hong Kong and they did a great job. The main boom is another tree trunk and rides over 7 ft above the deck so no chance of hitting heads. The yellow awnings were made locally from the same material used for the roofs of the 3-wheel motor taxis seen throughout Latin America. There is 8 ft standing headroom as the boat is intended for tourist daysailing here on Laguna Azul near Tarapoto.
The biggest problem so far is that Bondo the dog likes to eat the balsa-wood deck. Photo shows the seating in the starboard hull with storage lockers below, also the hardware-store grade standing rigging. Low traffic areas of the deck are just split bamboo, grows very plentifully here and is strong and light. As you can see we are pulled up right onto the beach. Not bad for a 33ft boat. Still to build are a roof over the steering station and a swim ladder on the bow.