The ultimate canting keel
T
he VOR 70 rules limit keel cant to 40 degrees. Geometry of currently used canting systems allows maximum cant up to 50 degrees, beyond which loads grow dangerously high. For the SpeedDream concept we have developed a proprietary
system that allows much higher cant angles while maintaining significantly reduced loads. The goal is to ultimately taking the keel completely out of water and thus removing significant portion of the strut and bulb drag, eliminating their buoyancy and maximizing righting moment.
Even if the keel is going to periodically get submerged in waves, on the average this concept promises sizable benefits for overall drag reduction. Future research and development should concentrate on finding optimal keel and strut shape to minimize drag while awash with waves.
Stabilizing hydrofoils
T
he SpeedDream concept utilizes hydrofoils to create additional righting moment and partially offset displacement. Located near CG to diminish the negative effect of hull movement on
their performance, these foils will be capable of creating lift equal to 30-50% of total displacement and could be either retractable or fixed and could be used as separate appendages or in combination with daggerboard.
Further analysis will focus on finding the optimal size and shape of the hydrofoils and their profile in order to achieve maximum lift and minimal drag.
Learning from powerboats
A
mong other venues we are actively exploring are applications of stepped hulls, spray rails and other speed-enhancing features widely used on powerboats. The next step would be to
15
take a close look on the benefits of bottom aeration in order to further reduce wetted surface. And that’s only a start. During the extensive research and development process,
throughout design, construction and boat testing, we will gradually keep improving our revolutionary SpeedDream concept until it evolves into the most extraordinary speed machine ever.
Quest for the fastest monohull on the planet