The boats are using the current ASSA hull shape (originally based on the Criag Hughes design) with a modernised deck.

Plugs were machined by Edencraft using a 5-axis CNC machine and are machined to within ± 1mm accuracy.

A number of 3D scans have been performed as check measures throughout the process.

The first scan in November ‘24 utilised Typhoon as a comparison to the ASSA hull file, and another scan was completed in Dec ‘24 when the plug was delivered, comparing the plug to ASSA build file as well.

View the comparisons

The Clubs have made a large investment in all-carbon fibre tooling to ensure the highest level of repeatability between boats.

Carbon fibre tooling has a close to zero coefficient of thermal expansion ensuring that the mould and boats shrink and contract at the same rates when curing.

The hulls and framing are CFD engineered by Brett Ellis for optimum laminate schedule and frame layout to achieve maximum stiffness.

Brett has a long career in the composites industry having worked for multiple America’s Cup campaigns as a composites engineer.

Several key industry stakeholders will also be engaged as sounding boards to ensure critical details are not missed.

Boats have been engineered to allow for approximately 10kg for fit out, which we believe is excessive.

Ropes, fittings, grip, etc is to be around 8kg, so up to 2kg of lead in the boats is likely.

Production boats will be subject to deflection tests and will need to meet an acceptable criteria before being sold to a customer. The tolerance is based on data from well performing boats.

Boats that do not fit the acceptable criteria will be subject to rectification and re-measure before being sold.

Yes. The underside of the gunwales have been modified slightly so that this measurement is met.

Curves offer more stiffness and strength than flat panels. While flat panels are easier to build, we wanted this boat to be strong and stiff.

The decision to go with an open deck design was based on a sailor survey conducted in winter 2024. There was overwhelming interest in the open deck concept which made it clear we should pursue this direction.

This option allows for a much cleaner and more modern deck layout allowing sailors to customise their rigging while also allowing teams to easily integrate a spinnaker chute if desired.

We are very confident that the chosen design coupled with engineering analysis will produce very stiff boats. The open deck concept allows for a much stiffer bow section with the addition of the floor.

This was a key consideration of the project when considering performance and longevity of the boat.

The standard production boats will be configured for a spinnaker bag, i.e. without a hole in the foredeck.

The spinnaker chute option is considered an upgrade and will only be supplied on request by the buyer.

No. The winter 2024 survey indicated that sailor’s preference was to customise their boats more than what was currently offered.

Boats will be supplied with cradle, jib track, mast step, rudder gudgeons, and pre-drilled holes for stays.

Some optional upgrade items will be available including fitting packages and rope kits, but at this stage we do not plan to supply a complete fit out service.

In the short term, foils are available through current suppliers.

Long term, we will develop and supply our own foils.

The process of selecting a committee, forming a partnership, designing the deck and tooling, running a tender process, selecting a builder, manufacturing plugs and tooling, building and testing a prototype all takes time.

We knew from the start we needed more than 12 months for the project so we set a target of 3 boats for the beginning for the 25/26 season with 3 more available before the Nationals.

Our top priority throughout this project has been to ensure it’s done right to ensure stiff and long lasting skiffs.

Our aim is to have the prototype sailing in June.

The prototype will be taken around to Clubs so interested sailors can view it and if conditions allow, take it for a sail.