Davie Norris Boatbuilders
Christchurch, New Zealand
American Dream - Page 3
Boating New Zealand Article
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The carbon fibre
mast has triple spreaders swept back 20 degrees, and no running
backstays. It is a fractional rig, to achieve minimal number and
size of sails. The aluminum-versus-carbon fibre debate for the mast. |
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This was to achieve
a lighter rig, as Morpheus will become a racing boat back in the
States, but of a larger section to allow for offshore. Gregory
was surprised it was less expensive to have the rig made in the
States and shipped down here, than to have it built locally. |
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The mainsail is slab reefing,
with three deep reefs, and built in Spectra as a compromise between
racing and cruising. Gregory tried to keep the boat simple although,
as boats have a way of doing, it has become more complex than he
intended. He restricted hydraulics to the backstay and outhaul. |
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| The boat also
has a fractional kite, mast head kite and orange storm jib. |
The mast has an
in-built jack system at its step to help when tuning the rig. The
idea is: pump up the jack, remove the three plates beneath the mast
base, and lower the mast. This slackens the shrouds so they can
be adjusted when not under tension which can damage the threads. |
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The mast is then
jacked up again and the plates replaced at the new setting. |
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| A spinnaker ride
in 30kts in a 50ft boat with a firm hand on the helm is some thing
everyone should do more often. The hull surged sure and steady across
Tamaki Strait, the power of the spinnaker trans lating easily into
15kts boatspeed.
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All eyes were on
the log waiting to break the magic barrier. Richard Bicknall from
North Sails was trimming the kite but even in 3Okts true wind, there
was no tendency to break out. And then Browns Island was on the
bow and it was time to snuff the spinnaker and spin the boat back
on the wind.
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The big boat certainly
leaned over a long way fully powered up on the wind but well placed
chocks by the wheel keep the helmsperson on station, although slightly
off in the ergonomics for me.
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Gregory says he
tried to keep the steering system simple, opting for chain to cables
around the quadrant. “The steering on Carl’s boats always
makes them a pleasure to sail,” he says. “You never
feel like you’re fighting the boat.” Steering was firm
and smooth throughout the movement and the large diameter wheel
has an important, professional feel about it.
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Back at the marina,
we sheltered below for lunch and checked out the interior. The galley
bench includes a custom moulding for the base of a large thermos
with a bungee cord around a grab post to secure it. There is a rubbish
compactor, fridge and top loading freezer, oven and bread maker.
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The for’ard
section is kept free, which I approve of when racing. It’s
handy to keep this area dedicated to sails which are often wet when
they come down the hatch and, when ocean cruising, who wants to
sleep this far forward?
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Morpheus
To those of you who helped to put Morpheus together, a huge thank you!.
She is pretty darn close to perfect in our minds
We've enjoyed meeting all of you and appreciate the effort in getting this boat ready to cross oceans.
Jim, Debbie, Chris & Pat Gregory
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