SpeedDream Prototype to be built

by Brian Hancock on 16 Jan 2011 SpeedDream design and engineering continues to advance, and a decision has been made to build a scaled down 35-foot version of the record setter monohull. Hundreds of hours of computer engineering and analysis has already been completed for the SpeedDream design, but there is nothing like a scaled prototype version out sailing in actual conditions to test the unique ideas and technical solutions that are at the heart of this project.

'For a typical evolutionary design you start with a set of known performance parameters and work to gradually improve them,' said Vlad Murnikov, the lead designer and creative force behind SpeedDream. 'But the SpeedDream concept is so radical and innovative there are no analogs to compare to and improve upon. While CFD analysis and tank testing are extremely important, they can only get us so far.

'It will be very useful to check both the general concept and the hull shape, appendages and rig configurations on a real scaled version of SpeedDream. Appendages like the extreme canting/telescoping keel and the lifting/stabilizing foil have to be tested and optimized in a real sailing environment and this is why we believe that building the prototype is necessary. I feel that a 35-foot version is the right size to provide a superb realistic platform to test all the critical SpeedDream components.'

To achieve heretofore unattained speeds and bridge the performance gap between multihulls and monohulls, SpeedDream relies upon two very innovative appendages to greatly enhance the boat’s performance; a canting keel that lifts clear of the water when the boat is fully powered up, and a foil to leeward that provides not only lift, but also resists leeward force.

'The geometry of most modern canting systems allow for a maximum cant angle of up to 50 degrees,' said Murnikov. 'For SpeedDream we have developed a proprietary system that allows much higher cant angles while at the same time being able to significantly reduce loads.

'The goal ultimately is to sail the boat with the keel completely out of water thereby removing a significant amount of drag while maximizing righting moment. In addition, the keel will be telescoping. This will allow us to fine tune the angle of heel as well as make it more practical to get the boat in and out of marinas where depth may be an issue.'

Lifting foils have been used in hydrofoil ferries and military craft for decades. Recent applications in sailing yachts include the DSS stabilizing system developed by Hugh Welbourn. Curved lifting daggerboards find widespread use in offshore racing multihulls and in record setting projects like the extreme foiler L’Hydroptere, the boat that holds the outright speed record.

Cam Lewis, the skipper of SpeedDream said; 'I have followed developments in both monohull and multihulls for decades. This latest Americas Cup was a great example of how some new developments in foils radically changed the performance of both boats. It’s these innovative technologies like the telescoping keel and lifting foils that will set SpeedDream apart from all other monohulls and allow the boat to not only break, but smash all existing records. We will test these features, along with others in the SpeedDream-35 prototype and prove to us and the sailing community that this boat is a step ahead of anything else out there.'

Can a monohull sail faster than a multihull? Read the attached article by SpeedDream Communications Director Brian Hancock and you decide. Editors - if you are interested in exploring this more in your own publications please contact Brian at brian@brianhancock.org. High def renderings are available to illustrate along with clear structural diagrams.

www.speeddream.org