Bethwaite Design has been delving into the realm of lead assisted skiffs (LAS) for some years. Using a lot of the technology that we have refined over the last 20 years and only recently fully understood, we are applying that information and that ideology with some success. Most notably, Libras in Germany, modifications to existing lead assisted 40 ft yachts here in Sydney, and most recently, the highly successful Vivace (8m sports boat, soon to be re-launched as the 79er).
The new UD18 is the latest in this trend and we expect it to perform with all the aplomb that we pride ourselves on achieving. The UD18 is, as is the case of all Billoch/Bethwaite designs a team effort; Julian taking a extensive brief from Chris Mitchell, then working with Martin Billoch (Buenos Aries) and Martin Mok (Sydney) both of whom are Naval Architects. The design evolved to be a 5.5m LAS, capable of carrying weight whilst maintaining a high level of performance and control, keeping the cost down and incorporating a range of interesting features that should allow easy stacking/containerisation, simple maintenance and general ease of use.
The boat will be a challenge for able bodied sailors and dis-able sailors alike. This boat has been designed from a performance basis, to offer scintillating, crisp and snappy response to sailors regardless of their ability/mobility. The rig is envisaged to be of a similar nature, utilising again, the technology that has honed over the last 20 years and refined and understood in the last five.
All in all, I think that the UD18 will offer a new and enlightened step in small LAS or day sailor enjoyment by breaking free of the stigma that surrounds them being buoyant corks, to something with a high level of performance, while at the same time maintaining a level of control so that the speed you go is totally dependant on how hard you push it.
www.bethwaite.com/10837,02,2-0--new---ud...th-disabilities.html
