----- Original Message -----

From: Luke Timmermans

To: harryproa@...

Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 7:02 AM

Subject: Re: [harryproa] Digest Number 331

Having had a good look at John's Visionarry on the North Coast the thing that impressed me most was that this is a boat that is big, simple, light and looks fast standing still(and very futuristic). It doesn't have a huge amount of room inside for its waterline length; I would say as much as a 36-38ft cruising bridgedeck cat or a 40-42ft performance cat; but it should outperform the latter and be way cheaper to build than either. It is better than a cat for forward visibility and has a great "veranda"; the tramps are an integrated part of your living/socialising space and could be fully enclosed (perhaps using the boom for support) while at anchor for even more living space. The leeward hull has a suprising amount of usable room and would be perfect for accomodating older kids; it doesn't need to be flared and this would add weight and alot of build time. I think the end berth in the windward hull could easily contain 2 kids bunks. The bridgedeck had just enough headroom for
me (I'm 6'2") and comfortable seating for 4-5 around the settee. Nav Table and electronics are protected and very accessible.
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about the boat is the rig, incredible for its simplicity. It has yet to be fully tested on the visionarry and no doubt there will be teething problems, but its been well thought out. The option of kite sails will add a bit of excitement.
Access to a 20m shed is my main stumbling block at the moment!
BTW thank you Mark for your time showing me around the boat, and we hope to get up again soon. How's progress?
I haven't found a copy of Yachting World. Is the article on line and do you have a URL?

Luke Timmermans
Twiggy Tri

16 myee place
forresters beach 2260
0242856387