Following are the latest posts on Wind Horse. This section covers systems, real world performance, along with data on why we do things the way we do. For more information be sure to check out SetSail.com/WindHorse.
Having grown up in Southern California, with a sailing and surfing background, riding the waves a natural part of being in or on the water. Our sailing and FPB designs have reflected this from the beginning. Recently we were surprised to learn that some of our owners are afraid of what is actually. one of the best things you can do with our yachts. Read the rest »
Fifteen years ago, when we were just starting to build the FPB Series prototype Wind Horse, we put together a video on the design cycle that lead to this new design. There was detailed information on her drag and motion analysis, including tank testing, as well as the historical foundation from which her design was developed. Read the rest »
“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”
~ William A. Foster
This is a difficult post for Linda and me to write. But events in the past few weeks together with the urging of many of our friends and clients (often one and the same) have forced the issue, starting with the William Foster quote above sent to us by one of our owners.
A new video in which we reveal the secrets behind all those ocean-crossing miles… Read the rest »
There is a double feature now live in print and online at Soundings Magazine… Read the rest »
Soundings Magazine has an extensive feature on FPB in their March 2017 issue. They’ve also put together a nice video on the FPB designs for their website… Read the rest »
We’ve been chasing the holy grail of the perfect cruising yacht for 40 years. The Deerfoot, Sundeer and Beowulf series are considered the premiere sailing yachts on which to circumnavigate. The FPB fleet is judged by the most experienced owners and journalists to be the best ocean-crossing motor yachts today. To find out why, read on:
We learned a long time ago that the key to happy cruising is a smooth ride uphill. Careful weather routing and a good turn of speed reduces your exposure, but those inevitable rough upwind passages are what people remember Read the rest »
With all this boat building on SetSail recently, and before that bucolic cruising in Maine and down the IntraCoasal Waterway, you may get the impression that we have become soft in our old age. Read the rest »
“…One of the coolest boats I have had the pleasure to spend time on.”
-Bill Parlatore, Passagemaker Magazine
Let us take you on a tour of the FPB prototype, Wind Horse.
“Against the Wind…With his new powerboat design, world cruiser Steve Dashew continues a lifelong pattern of challenging the status quo.”
–Soundings Magazine
Since launching, Wind Horse has comfortably chauffeured us well over 50,000 miles.. Read the rest »
We’ve been out the past few days, testing the latest NAIAD stabilizing software on Wind Horse. We’ve had 20-to-30 knots blowing straight into Narragansett Bay with opposing and slack current, so a variety of sea states: from steep to “holy cow, look at that!” As you can see by the track above, we have been taking the waves at all angles, from dead ahead, to on the stern, and everything between. At the end of this post there are a couple of short videos.
The process of developing the exterior design is never easy. Read the rest »
Designing an interior which looks good and is enjoyable at anchor – and works well at sea – is not easy. Read the rest »
Our approach to domestic water systems has evolved over the years, with the introduction of ever more efficient reverse osmosis watermakers.
Air conditioning specifications always involve a lot of tradeoffs.
Of all the issues facing us during the design of this boat, none was more important than the approach to stabilization.
Of all the systems aboard our boats none is more important than good heating for the interior, and an efficient supply of hot water for bathing.
This is the first time we have not used a holding plate system in the fridge and freezer. We took this approach as on paper it appeared more efficient.
Over the years we’ve been able to fine tune our approach to onboard electrical gear.
In this section we’ll cover the components of the drive line: engine, transmission, thrust bearing and CV axle, and props.
The heart of any cruising vessel – sail or power – is in its systems. It is the systems that bring you ambiance and pleasure (and, if not done correctly, a load of frustration).
In the past we’ve used combination washer-dryers because they are compact and easy to work into the interior.
We need a fair amount of office space, as we are often at work when while we are cruising. (Although it is better to just cruise!)
The layout of the saloon is developed around the concept that we primarily passage with just two of us aboard, and we prefer that watch keeping, working in the galley, and just plain hanging out occur in the same area.
Forward Suite
There are several ways of looking at the design premise for the owner’s “suite”.
The galleys on our previous designs have worked extremely well, providing excellent storage, good counter space, and ease of use at sea. This galley goes a step beyond.
We’ve been refining our approach to cruising interior design for the last 28 years – we’re at the point where we have a pretty good handle on the combination of features required for comfort at sea and in port.
We first started putting swim steps on our designs in 1978. Initially they were a safety device, a way to make man overboard recovery easier.
At anchor, when waves are more or less on the beam, all boats begin to roll, while comfort rapidly deteriorates.
There are six scenarios working on deck, each of which is considered for both layout and hardware specification.
Cruising in the tropics brings with it a special set of requirements because of the heat and humidity.
The flying bridge has become one of our favorite places at anchor and when on passage in pleasant weather.
We have spoken at length about the logic of get home systems in our previous articles.
The saloon is at the forward end of this raised area, adjacent to the galley and the office. We’ve got 7-foot (2.15m) settees on each side, plus room for two more folding chairs around the table.
Favorite photos from 2010 aboard Wind Horse: Mallorca, Spain, Portugal, the Canaries, and the ARC rally…