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That new class The
NAUTIC 12.
How many times have you heard that a certain model
yacht is “the best they have ever seen, for it does everything really
good?” I know over the years, I‘ve heard it a bit. Seldom do boats live
up to a statement like that! The NAUTIC 12 is a boat that does.
I’ve seen lots model yachts in the 40 odd years I
have been doing this hobby. And this NAUTIC 12 can amaze me in the way
it can sail in ALL company.
The boat came about from a group that were
dissatisfied by another supposed one design class and looked around for
something else that could fill their needs in a boat that was in reality
a true one design in every way.
Some say this particular boat looks a bit like a 12
metre that used to sail the America’s Cup events in the middle 80’s and
I would suppose that some of the technology is a bit like that
particular era. But yes, it can be seen from that era. However the
sailing characteristics that happened with this particular boat when it
went in the water changed all my theories on model yacht design in one
hit. The sailing characteristics are superb on the water with no
horrendous problems up wind or down, in any weather.
This boat really upset me for it did everything
differently. How could it be compatible with a 10 rater? How could it
outpoint a Marblehead? And turn like it was on rails? For this boat did
not have a deep keel or a tall mast but it could still get amongst these
other classes. The theories have just sort of been thrown out the window
on what we thought on R/C boat design, when this boat came along. Right
now I’m seriously questioning my ‘pet theories’ of a radio yachtsmen,
for there is something drastically wrong here! These wing keels do have
something going for them for the lead goes right into the wings. Yes,
this boat does ‘sport ‘ a balanced type rudder, for that is how it turns
so well. Why does it out point every thing, I don’t know? If I did, I
would bottle it, for we are all doing something wrong if a boat like
this can outpoint everything on the water.
SO HOW COME? This is the question that still hangs
there when I’m out sailing this boat. The draught on this boat is about
12 inches (in the old) just deep enough to take back all the old sailing
ponds we used to use. That was close to our homes.
Seldom does a boat come along that is so cheap for
us Australians. The actual boat is made in New Zealand, which gives us
about a 25% discount before we start. The Hull is 60” long and has a
nice big boat 3/4 rig of about 1250sq”, to drive it along. The
manufacturers, Triple Y Yachts, say it has been driven in 25 knots with
a full rig up. This is another thing with this boat, if there were any
thing wrong with the design it would show up being driven by a big wind.
This boat loves it.
One of the best things about this boat I have left
till last. Being a one design, this boat is shipped complete, everything
included, ready to go for less than AUD $ 1999. I might mention it comes
with a new RMG as standard equipment and new Power Sails, delivered to
your door in any colour you choose. Or go the cheap way, get a leaded
hull and you add the mast, sails and radio, even paint it if you like!
There is an active Australian Nautic 12
Association to help you tune your boat, when it arrives. There is a free
Nautic 12 T- shirt given with every boat sold.
If you want to try one of these beaut boats, we
sail them EVERY SATURDAY at Scarborough Park, Kogarah. Or ring the Sec.
0409824406 to arrange a test sail. Visitors welcome.
Try the www.nautic12.org web page for more
information.
AUSTRALIAN NAUTIC 12 CLASS ASSOCIATION.
For further Australian information contact;
shcrewes@bigpond.net.au
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