Launch day views of Cirrus
Designer and boatbuilding instructor Mike Broome, photographed with Cirrus
Boat Building Academy principal Yvonne Green has sent us some more photos from the big student launch day at Lyme in December.
‘Bob Hinks and Ray Holmes built Cirrus, a 20ft western red cedar strip planked, epoxy glass sheathed day sailer designed by Academy instructor Mike Broome.
‘She was designed to be shallow draught, equipped with a ballasted centreboard and lifting rudder to enable use either under sail or using auxilliary power.
‘She mixes traditional style with modern systems, and is equipped with an electric sail-drive with a two-blade folding prop. Batteries sit either side of the centreboard case to provide ballast as well as power for the prop. She also has a traditionally-laid deck and bespoke steelwork on chainplates, rudder and centreboard.
‘On her maiden voyage Bob, who was formerly owner and MD of special effects company Asylum and electronic engineer Ray achieved 5.5 knots sailing in light airs.
‘Bob and Ray worked long hours, and Cirrus is a testament to their focus and determination.
‘Since the course ended in December, Bob has hired space in a yard near the Academy and over the next few months is going to refine and perfect Cirrus before going into production.’
Cirrus in the workshop
