We’ve been working on the get home rig for the FPB 64. Carol Parker sent us the photo  you see above of a rough prototype sail, cut from PVC tarp material.

Our main concern for the get home system is finishing an ocean passage. In this context, considering bad fuel is the most likely culprit, a sailing rig of some type seems to be the best approach, and one which is apt to be the most reliable. The sail is rigged between the end of the aft boom and the forward mast, and sheets to the rail.

What we have learned so far is that we can “sail” with this rig as close as 100 degrees to the wind (ten degrees below a beam reach). In 15 to 18 knots of breeze Avatar was doing three to three and a half knots. Obviously the sail shape leaves something to be desired.

A proper sail is now being made by Doyle New Zealand. It will be built from 2.2 oz. nylon and roller furl for ease of handling.

Here is a side view (above) from Doyle’s computer. This design is 45 square meters/475 square feet in area, or about 1/3rd bigger than the tarp sail. Combine the extra area with a proper flying shape, and we expect considerably more drive from this rig.

Another view, this time from the clew (back) of the sail looking forward.

We will test the nylon sail in a couple of weeks and will report on the performance.

Post script: a potential side benefit of this rig is reduced fuel burn on long downwind passages. Think in terms of westbound across the Atlantic, from the Galapagos to the Marquesas, or New Zealand to Chile. With normal moderate strength trades we’re guessing range could be extended by a third on a broad reach.