Design, Small boat - big task

Figaro Bénéteau 2003 -
Marc Lombard Yacht Designers

As soon as we decided to take part in the contest for the new design for the Figaro Association we consulted many current skippers to discuss the ways in which they wished to move forward.

A majority of skippers were keen to go the whole way and adopt a swing keel/wing-mast/twin-rudder design, very influenced by the Open 60s and the Mini designs. At the same time there was a real desire to protect the simplicity of the current boat, and to keep to a relatively low price. It was also a priority to further improve the one design nature of the class.

We met with a lot of experienced skippers and pointed out that it was impossible to combine all of the new features, still remain simple and stick to the low selling price. A swing keel would definitely lead to an expensive daggerboard installation, a carbon wing-mast would increase the price so much that the construction of the boat itself would have to be too basic. Also we pointed out that these features would lead us to a 'specialist singlehanded design', with low production the likely outcome.

An exciting looking, robust and very modern design should attract customers for the new Figaro-Bénéteau beyond the immediate singlehanded sailing market. One requirement for this quick-looking new boat has been a competitive rating under IRC for broader regatta use

To read this article in full, please go to the February 2002 issue of Seahorse International Sailing.

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