Schooner

Project Overview

• The project involves the design and construction of a new sail training schooner by the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS).
• The vessel is intended to be a stiff and safe sailing schooner, incorporating traditional design elements with modern safety and functional criteria.

Design Objectives

• The schooner is designed to have a large difference in the slopes of the GZ (righting arm) and HAgust (healing arm) curves, ensuring significant reserves of righting energy.
• The design aims to meet rigorous safety standards and operational requirements, including compliance with modern regulatory regimes.

Design Process

• The project involves an international team of consultants to ensure expertise in critical aspects of the design.
• An ambitious agenda of experimental and analytical campaigns is underway to inform design particulars and contribute to the broader body of knowledge on vessels of this class.
• Advanced tools such as Grasshopper and Rhinoceros are used for parametric analysis and design, allowing for interactive and dynamic weight and center of gravity (CG) management.

Stability Analysis

• Preliminary design includes intact stability analyses using GHS software to compare stability data with existing vessels.
• The analysis involves comparing GZ curves and identifying optimal hull variants that exhibit better stability characteristics than historical schooners.

Sail Plan and Rigging

• The sail plan is designed with an aspect ratio higher than traditional schooners, but with an emphasis on aesthetic and functional harmony.
• The masts have a significant but not severe rake, and the sail geometry is optimized to improve overall performance and appearance.

Construction and Materials

• While the specific materials and construction details are not provided in the sources, the emphasis is on building a vessel that is both traditional in character and modern in its execution, likely using a combination of traditional and contemporary materials and techniques.

Operational Considerations

• The schooner is designed to operate within operational draft limitations and to comply with modern regulatory standards.
• The project includes detailed planning for future work, ensuring that the vessel meets all necessary safety and functional requirements.