Why I'm Following Sven Yrvind

[CarlosK2]

Well, the other half of the story...

you arrive somewhere, drop anchor, and have a huge, civilized bathroom in the cockpit under tent-awning; you have a small galley on a massive countertop (the large chart table and navigator's berth, 2.4 x 0.60 m) and a comfortable, pleasant cabin—and the water for tea is bubbling while it rains outside.

 

[CarlosK2]

So, the great potential of minimalism—and the square-cube law—hinges on very strict weight control and sound engineering.

Time and again, Yrvind’s "coffins" turn out to be far too heavy.

Let’s recall the "Yrvind.com" boat—arguably the most visually pleasing one to date—before he entered this aimless downward spiral.

In the video of its launch, you can see that as soon as it hits the water, he realizes it is too heavy; later, while sailing, a child in an Optimist dinghy overtakes him, moving faster and pointing much higher into the wind. Yrvind then starts adjusting his sails while the child continues to speed along in the Optimist.

My impression is that he hasn't recovered since then.

My perspective is to base the reasoning—on the one hand—on Frank and Margaret Dye (that is, starting thinking with a dinghy, a true sailboat) and—on the other—on Webb Chiles and his Moore 24.

 

[CarlosK2]

Ultimately, one could well say that i am not a minimalist but a maximalist:

what is the most gigantic "dinghy" that can be designed?

+ => 20 sqm per ton in its basic configuration (mainsail + staysail) and capable of easily hoisting 40-50 sqm per ton Downwind

+ no walking on the deck, Verboten, strictly Verboten, no metal fittings or cables on the deck: the Mast is located at the aft end of the cockpit

+ the appendages—centerboard and rudder blades—can be easily lifted out of the water

+ a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of no more than 120–140—meaning the sensation of gliding is preserved

Ocean rowing boats evolved from standard rowing boats—they’ve overtaken us on the inside—so why shouldn't we enjoy ocean-going dinghies?

 

[CarlosK2]

Of course

Of course, by "ocean-going" I’m thinking of typical Atlantic routes—like those for 3–3.5-ton performance yachts such as the Transquadra and Cap Martinique. In other words, I’m looking for a vessel designed to handle Force 7 conditions with ease and avoid misery in the occasional Force 8; I’m not talking about the Southern Indian Ocean, where a "small" boat is 8–10 tons.

 

[skaraborgcraft]

so why shouldn't we enjoy ocean-going dinghies?

Indeed. Lightweight does not mean "weak", in the traditional sense, materials have moved on.

Sven has no interest in getting anywhere fast, but less than 8sqm of sail leaves him wallowing in light air, despite a low drag hull.

The amount of people who even think about crossing an ocean in a small yacht must be very small.

I think a small off-shore motor sailer has, by its nature, to require more displacement, but obviously limits range.

Self righting with the wheelhouse and 300kg of ballast. Space enough for a 7hp diesel.

It would be expensive though, for what it is, but "cheap", comparatively, in running/mooring/transport costs. A 3KW electric outboard might work, if you can get enough solar fitted without it becoming an issue in itself.

Not an Yrvind boat....... and better for it.

 

[skaraborgcraft]

Not sure if the above 590, would have the same imbalance as the 580, i would think the long keel might help with directional stability. I certainly prefer it in every aspect.

 

[CarlosK2]

Yes, off Cape St. Vincent in summer, when heading north, it is quite common to motor-sail.

I think it’s a good deal and a fair trade to swap a cumbersome upwind keel for a good engine.

 

[kdifzero]

I would love to know if the chap who purchased his original boat ever finished it, anyone know if he did and has he posted pics/vids anywhere.

Well, the other half of the story...

you arrive somewhere, drop anchor, and have a huge, civilized bathroom in the cockpit under tent-awning; you have a small galley on a massive countertop (the large chart table and navigator's berth, 2.4 x 0.60 m) and a comfortable, pleasant cabin—and the water for tea is bubbling while it rains outside.

So do you have any mock up of what your proposed boat looks like.

 

[skaraborgcraft]

I would love to know if the chap who purchased his original boat ever finished it, anyone know if he did and has he posted pics/vids anywhere.

Apparently the last-last boat has been seen sailing around Stockholm and the guy wants to remain anon.

The plywood hull he started building was up for sale on a local site when the last boat was donated for him to cut up/modify and then abandon.

 

[CarlosK2]

between sailing in a Yrvind-style coffin and sailing highly exposed... a middle ground

a middle ground

"The golden mean or golden middle way is the desirable middle between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency"

Golden mean (philosophy) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[skaraborgcraft]

"golden mean" a suitable boat name for an aquatic compromise.

 

[CarlosK2]

"golden mean"

golden mean between Yrvind and Frank Dye

Frank Dye 1928-2010 | National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Although some may have regarded Frank Dye's exploits as foolhardy, he was never reckless and prepared for every journey with meticulous planning.

nmmc.co.uk

 

[CarlosK2]

And I think the aesthetics hold up; it doesn't look like the boat of some eccentric madman.

Like rock climbing, dinghy sailing was enthusiastically embraced by the British working class.

An oceangoing dinghy and a magnificent coastal cruiser for the working class.

 

[skaraborgcraft]

The working class in the UK would struggle to own anything larger than a car toppable dinghy at present. I just had a quote for £6,000 for an under 8m berth for a season. Cheapest mud berth with limited tidal access was just under £60 week, so just over half price of the marina. Storage for a boat on a trailer would cost the same. I do not know anyone working here that "only 3k" is insignificant. It is no surprise that boats are being sold for cheap, the storage cost for a year is often more than the value of the boat. It has become a very expensive past time, not that it was ever "cheap".

 

[montero]

What are you talking about?