|
The NAUTIC 12 CLASS
STORY.
Not many boats come along these days that really
fit into the terms “a true ONE DESIGN”. The NAUTIC 12 is one of those
that do.
Some time ago we were looking for something
different in Model R/C Yachting that would really fit the concept of a
ONE DESIGN. Sure we had seen other types that did claim themselves as
such but in fact they somehow proved they were all different
internationally or country to country. So we thought we could do a lot
better, than what was hanging around.
So we thought some thing along the lines of some
famous boat. We saw that there was another boat that was purporting to
be an America’s Cup boat but it has clearly let this concept down in so
many ways in our estimations.
So we decided we would see if we could come up
with something really special. We would have liked to have a boat that
we all admired, something like KA6 Aussie 2. So we needed a boat that
was somewhat recognizable to most people who were interested in a boat
like that, both for sailing and mounting on the mantle place.
Anyone you know who does Scale Modelling, knows
how hard it is to get an accurate model of anything and to get it to
sail, well that is something else again?
The NAUTIC 12 is our attempt to get an America’s
Cup boat style, using similar technology from that era. As we all know
12 metre racing stopped after the Cup races in 1987 series in Australia,
where Australia got beaten. However Aussie 2 could be said comes from
that type /era. We have put in some ideas that we thought should be in
that R/C concept and these have been proved they can be done. The boat
certainly goes and does not have some of the problems that those boats
of that ERA had.
We used a similar sail plan to an other class for
we feel there is nothing wrong with the sail plan from that era. We know
that this sail plan produces certain results that can be very forgiving
with the right type of hull underneath it. The NAUTIC 12 is this right
type of hull. People who own and have seen this boat agree that we have
made the right choice. We have had some comments that the NAUTIC 12
looks like the Australian boat, Kookaburra, with its winged keel. But we
think it looks like something else.
The boat will be produced by a group of R/C sailors
that have had many years experience between them and have sailed all the
development classes in R/C. They say it is the very best boat they have
ever sailed, barring none. They race them weekly and the class is
growing in popularity at an alarming rate. With the boat’s performance,
the delights of match racing come to the fore. Some of the clubs that
have purchased them have a full race program for these boats. For they
sail in all weathers that development classes sail in.
The Production Boat.
Because it is a true One Design ALL the boats are
exactly the same in everyway. The class is allowed to use up to 4
channel radios. We recognized that some of the sailing features could be
enhanced with the additional servo actions, like: Backstay adjustment
and Jib twitcher. As we all sail in changing weather conditions these
days, we learn to use these additional features. In fact the
manufacturers will supply fully finished complete boats, ready to sail.
Or you can get boats leaded and finished to the stage where all you have
to put on them is your mast and rig. Or to any stage you want really,
except it must come with the deck in place. To fit the ONE DESIGN class
rating rules.
The NAUTIC 12 Rating Rules are on the Class’ web
page included in the rules is the sail plan and measurements for a ‘A’
or ‘B’ rigs.
News of the NAUTIC 12 will quickly spread. For the
Aussies also recognized that a TRUE ONE DESIGN was needed, as well. So
they are going hard at it and have started forming an Owners
Association. They think it is great that they can get it so cheap with
the way the dollar exchange rate is. The class is already in 3 states
here and a great future for the class is envisaged with the likelihood
of interstate events in the not to distant future.
We weren’t going to tell you about the turning
characteristics of this boat or the fantastic speed it gets too. For we
wanted you to enjoy the surprise when you get yours on the water.
We race in Scarborough Park in Sydney 12 noon
Saturdays.
THE AUSTRALIAN NAUTIC 12 CLASS ASSOCIATION.
Secretary: MOB 040 982 4406 OR shcrewes@bigpond.net.au
|
