MEERMARK M17, Trimaran Sailing boat – Sail and Rig design and development. (11th September 2019)
Here at RB Sails we are open minded to people’s needs and ideas. We were approached by Thomas Von Meer enquiring about a windsurfing sail and rig for his ‘outrigger canoe’ sailing boat concept. The artists impression that we were sent actually had a windsurf rig on it. We talked through the ideas, concepts, purpose and aims of the boat. The main principles were, that the boat should be stable, fun, able to be paddled, durable and very easy to sail. Simple, Safe, Fun. The Meermark M17 aimed to be a resort type boat in the same ilk as the Hobie Cat, but with the massive benefit that almost anyone could sail it with minimal experience or instruction; sailing for the 99% as Thomas called it. We loved this idea.
Thomas had already approached several other sail design companies, and while some were dismissive, others came up with complicated and traditional sail and rig designs. This is where RB SAILS come in. We suggested that using a windsurf rig and sail would not be appropriate as the centre of effort would be wrong and the cost of an 8.5mtr windsurf rig would be more expensive than a purpose built rig. After several discussions, RB Sails were chosen to make a proof of concept rig for the prototype hulls.
Having worked extensively in windsurf sail and land yacht sail design we decided that a flexible mast, fully battened sail, with progressive twist in the leech would be the best path to follow. A single sheet line was also chosen to keep it simple and meet all of the MEERMARK requirements.
The first prototype sail and rig was made and sent to Thomas in Italy where he had the prototype hull. The difficulty for us was not having a boat to try different luff curves and tweaks before sending the sail to Italy. However, initial feedback was very good and Meermark were happy with the simplicity of the set up and single rope for downhaul and outhaul.
Over the following year, we gained access to a hull and made several improvements to the sail, and the pulley, cleat and rope set up. We also gave further input to the rudder and other aspects of the boat that made great improvements.
One week in particular stood out for us and we learnt and improved so much in a short space of time and also managed an impressive 12 knots in very gusty conditions. There was more speed available but the most impressive thing was how the Meermark M17 handled the gusty conditions (between 10 and 25knots). At no point did it feel unsafe or difficult. In any other boat we would have capsized and really struggled to control the boat. But the design of the hulls means there is so much stability in the outriggers. This coupled with the flexible mast and progressive twist, that allows the sail to breath and spill excess power. For 99% of people they can enjoy the fun of sailing without the difficulties. Following some tweaks to the rudder the multihull tacked and gybed amazingly well. The foot steering was simple to use, and the Meermark M17 went wherever you pointed it.
Within that week, we asked Mylor Sailing School to test the boat and give their feedback. They thought it was excellent and could not believe how easy it was to use and how well it handled. The simplicity and dual controls were of particular interest as they are a sailability centre.
To finish things off we have since designed and made simply trampolines between the main hull and outriggers and also a cover for the main hull.
This project has been hugely enjoyable for us and we look forward to the next Meermark project. If you have any sail, cover or bag projects then why not contact us and see how we can help. Call 01736 754659.
If you are interested in the MEERMARK M17 boat visit www.meermark.com