> Malcolm and others-- > > Could you please explain what it is about the catamaran platform that > makes it so suitable for motorsailing? > > --Georgs _______________________________________________________ Brian replied: The design of an offshore sailing yacht in these modern days should take into account the older age of the population having the means and time to go long range cruising. The long ignored 'Motor/Sailer' concept should be a prime candidate for these clients. We don't hear much of motorsailers these days....not a popular subject. The old traditional, stoutly-built vessels, with a hefty engine(s), were necessarily compromised in both their sailing and powering performances. The multihull planform holds great promise to modernize the motorsailer. Long slender hulls of the catamaran vessel have proven real efficient to push under both power & sail.....not only efficient, but not limited to slow traditional displ/length hull-speeds. Just what the motorsailer needs....far less compromising increases in both sail and power performance, while maintaining economy of operation that truly allows a sea-kindly, long-range capability. In light airs, running one engine often is all that is needed to generate an apparent wind that allows the sails work harder, and the combination provides much better results than either motoring or sailing alone...sailing synergy/harmony, the motor taking over in the lulls and the rig taking over in the puffs. Brian Eiland beiland@usa.net www.RunningTideYachts.com distinctive expedition yachts