{"id":39618,"date":"2016-07-20T17:11:59","date_gmt":"2016-07-20T22:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/?p=39618"},"modified":"2016-09-14T17:19:09","modified_gmt":"2016-09-14T22:19:09","slug":"fpb-78-1-video-the-ulitimate-surfboard-watch-and-find-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/fpb-78-1-video-the-ulitimate-surfboard-watch-and-find-out\/","title":{"rendered":"FPB 78-1 Video: The Ultimate Surfboard? Watch and Find Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"22knots\"<\/p>\n

The video you are about to watch represents a seminal moment in the design arc of the FPB world. The last two minutes take place in some of the most difficult steering conditions we have ever seen in\u00a040+ years of cruising, and are an extreme test for the design philosophy that is the foundation for this new generation of FPBs.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are familiar with our work you will know that we value speed for the safety it brings, the flexibility in choosing the best weather, and for its tactical importance in dealing with extreme weather scenarios. In the FPB world, going faster almost always means a more comfortable ride. The better your steering control, the faster you can go, and in an extreme weather situation, the limits of your steering will also determine\u00a0your storm tactic options.<\/span><\/p>\n

In yacht design terms, there is a conflict between a hull shape that is comfortable heading into the seas and one that steers well running off at speed.\u00a0The tradeoff lies in the shape of the forward part of the hull; the sharper the forefoot, the softer the ride into the waves. But a sharp forefoot locks your steering in downwind, making the boat difficult to control.<\/p>\n

This is why it is so dangerous to run at speed and surf downwind in most yachts, both power and sail, due to the risk of broaching and the problems — occasionally terminal — associated with this unpleasant event.\u00a0Yet running at speed is often the only tactic that will take you away from a storm system center (particularly tropical storm systems).<\/span><\/p>\n

We don’t like to talk about what FPBs can do. We would rather demonstrate. Hence the lack of public performance data about the new FPB 78s.\u00a0<\/span>The FPB 78 is designed to be the most comfortable uphill FPB yet. But we also want the ability to run at speed, and surfing is fun.<\/span><\/p>\n

This video takes place in 30 knots of breeze building to 50 plus. Seas are new and, at the end of the video, reflecting back from the shore.\u00a0<\/span>Some of these waves are\u00a0six to seven meters\/20-25 feet. You will see speed over ground from the gps and rudder angle, along with heel and pitch attitude.<\/span><\/p>\n

If we told you in advance that the FPB 78\u00a0would perform as you will see in this video, most would say it’s not possible. We will let you judge for yourself. We suggest you watch it now, then read the comments below.<\/span><\/p>\n