I am working on building the worlds smallest sailing craft. It will be almost impossible to go smaller than this. My plan is to attach by a suction cup mast to my chest with a 25 square foot sail. I can steer with my right foot while using my left leg as a centerboard.
I am 5'7" tall. I guess if you were shorter you could build a smaller sailing craft.
Interesting design. The real test of it is if it can make windward progress when fully loaded.
Years ago, I conceived of a similar design. But mine was 10 ft long. And only the stern transom was immersed, when fully loaded.
Mine had a gaff sail and a jib. But the jib was to be used only for downwind work. The sturdy 4 inch by 4 inch mast was to be bulkhead stepped. It was also held up with a head-stay and a pair of back-shrouds.
The intent was to be strong enough to be flipped end over end and still have the rig standing.
Recently. I've heard that someone is about to attempt an ocean crossing in a boat one meter long. I wish him success. But I wouldn't call his craft a sailboat. To me, a sailboat is a boat, powered by sails, that is capable of making windward progress under sail.
With its immersed bow transom, I have to wonder if this eight footer can.
I am working on building the worlds smallest sailing craft. It will be almost impossible to go smaller than this. My plan is to attach by a suction cup mast to my chest with a 25 square foot sail. I can steer with my right foot while using my left leg as a centerboard.
I am 5'7" tall. I guess if you were shorter you could build a smaller sailing craft.
All I ask is that you DON'T send photos! ;-)
Interesting design. The real test of it is if it can make windward progress when fully loaded.
Years ago, I conceived of a similar design. But mine was 10 ft long. And only the stern transom was immersed, when fully loaded.
Mine had a gaff sail and a jib. But the jib was to be used only for downwind work. The sturdy 4 inch by 4 inch mast was to be bulkhead stepped. It was also held up with a head-stay and a pair of back-shrouds.
The intent was to be strong enough to be flipped end over end and still have the rig standing.
Recently. I've heard that someone is about to attempt an ocean crossing in a boat one meter long. I wish him success. But I wouldn't call his craft a sailboat. To me, a sailboat is a boat, powered by sails, that is capable of making windward progress under sail.
With its immersed bow transom, I have to wonder if this eight footer can.