And here, finally, are renderings of the new, highly anticipated Melges 40, (the first example will go in the water in september).When the American shipyard launches a model on the market, a revolution is always announced. Starting with the canting keel, for the first time on a one-design. The design of the one-design boat was entrusted to the studio of Marcelino Botin, best known for TP52s.
SEE RENDERINGS OF THE NEW MELGES 40
ULTRALIGHT
The 40-footer will be built in Dubai at Premier Composite Technologies: it will be made of epoxy and carbon, so as to achieve an ultralight displacement against a structure with maximum rigidity (thanks in part to the emirate shipyard’s 5-axis milling technology). The boat will weigh 3,250 pounds-really not bad for a 12-footer-and, equipped with a significant sail plan, promises to be a lot of fun to steer.
THE SECRET OF THE KEEL
Back to the keel: it will be electrically controlled thanks to a system from Italy’s Cariboni, which provides for its inclination up to a maximum of 45°. The problem of the keel sloping, and thus decreasing its lift (resulting in increased drift), was solved by the presence of a central daggerboard.
“BOTINIAN” SOLUTIONS
The fact that the new Melges 40 is the result of a broader philosophy than the yard’s other models designed for racing between the buoys is also highlighted by the presence of the double rudder. At the stern a hinted edge, “Botinian” reminiscence of TP52s. The maximum beam point is shifted far aft: this suggests a rather pronounced gliding ability. The forward tiller rudder is also very TP52 (also seen on Maxi 72s), designed to better concentrate weights amidships. The rigging includes a square-top mainsail. www.melgeseurope.com
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET.
Length ft 11.994 m
Length at waterline 11.10 m
Maximum beam 3.53 m
Displacement 3,250 kg
Draught 3.20 m
Crew 8 people
Motorization 20 hp
Sup. Mainsail 72 sqm
Sup. jib 49 sqm
Sup. gennaker 200 sqm
