G'day,

Heavy weather performance details are scarce as I have yet to go out in
extreme weather as there was always some part of the boat which was an
experiment, and either not completed, or structurally dubious. I am now
happy with the platform and will be doing some more rigourous tests as the
opportunity presents itself.

Regarding a small harryproa, the limits will be the ability of the sailor,
rather than the boat, in much the same way as a beach cat. Push it hard
enough, you may capsize it. Sail conservatively, you won't have any
problems.

Details follow of what we have experienced. What these showed was that
there is no reason why a harry proa would not behave similarly to any other
boat in difficult conditions, with the following advantages..
The ability to raise both rudders means the boat behaves like a big raft
and would be very difficult to get into trouble. In extreme conditions, or
when leeway was undesirable, a parachute anchor would make it a very safe
platform. This would be run on a bridle attached to the bows, and based on
anchoring experience in 30 knots, would hold the boat head to wind with
ease. Launching a parachute anchor on a conventional boat is generally a
pretty hairy experience, getting from the cockpit to the bows, and making
sure everything is the right side of everything else. On a harryproa it is
dead simple. The bridle lines are permanently rigged for the anchor, the
parachute is laid out on the trampoline and then launched over the stern.
As soon as the anchor bites, this becomes the bow! .
Where a lot of boats (multis and monos) get into trouble is gybing and
tacking in strong winds/big waves. Either too much speed (gybing) or not
enough (tacking) Shunting is a very safe, controlled way of doing either.:

Maximums so far:

Harry: 20 knots breeze against 1-2 knots of tide, giving about 2m/7' seas.
Running with it was effortless, the waves were short enough to frequently
have the middle of the lee hull suspended in mid air. Going upwind was
comfortable (with main only), as both hulls lifted over the waves together.
Shunted through 90 degrees, single handed, but no idea of speed. Cockpit
dry, we sat there drinking tea.

Harrigami: 30 knots of breeze with 4 miles of fetch giving short sharp
waves. Reefed main only, no problems except with the very bendy mast, since
fixed. 10 knots reaching, windward performance ordinary because of the
mast. Cockpit a bit wet as the waves would hit the windward hull and spray
blow over the top.

Regards,

Rob

----- Original Message -----
From: "ppl_rjg" <PPL_RJG@...>
To: <harryproa@...>
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2003 10:46 PM
Subject: [harryproa] harryproa forum


> Great idea to have a forum just for harryproa.
>
> I am eager to get started on a small harryproa but would like more
> information about performance in varied weather conditions of the
> prototypes. If anyone has data or impressions please send them along.
>
> Bob Grona, Huntsville, Texas
>
>
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