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GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
HULL SHAPE
This hull is a development of Leif Beiley’s very successful
B-32. It incorporates very fine waterlines forward combined
with a nearly plumb bow profile. The turn of the forefoot is
well above the LWL to minimize "bow steering" in offshore
surfing conditions and to reduce wetted surface in light air.
Amidships, the turn of the bilge is just above the LWL resulting
in a narrow waterline beam without sacrificing reserve stability.
The run aft is nearly straight, with powerful bilges extending
all the way to the transom. Maximum reserve buoyancy aft allows
the boat to surf and surge in waves more readily than hulls
with less powerful sections in this area. In the Sportster 29
the rudder has been moved aft to allow for a more comfortable
cockpit and to accommodate the large sailplan.
DECK
This innovative deck combines both racing and cruising features
to provide comfort, security and convenience for cruising while
maintaining near optimum sailing efficiency. The cabin trunk
is high enough to provide standing headroom in the main cabin.
The solid coamings around the forward end of the cockpit serve
as comfortable seat backs and provide shelter from spray and
water on deck. The winches are mounted on top of the coamings
and are situated to so that jibs and spinnakers can be easily
trimmed. These features will make cruising aboard this boat
very comfortable without substantially affecting sailing efficiency.
The aft end of the cockpit is set up for racing efficiency.
Here the cockpit is full-width and all the mainsail controls
are conveniently located for the helmsman and cockpit crew.
A pair of optional captain’s chairs can be located aft
to complete the versatility of this area. Because this boat
does not use overlapping genoas and incorporates a retractable
bow pole, the deck hardware layout is very simple. The Bravura
Sportster 29 can be easily sailed by a crew of two and can be
efficiently raced with a crew of four.
KEEL AND RUDDER
The planform of the keel is a high aspect ratio fin with a tip
bulge. The foil section is a modified NACA 0063A type. This
section is constant at all waterlines except in the area of
the bulge. The bulge area is derived using our proprietary foil
codes and is designed to achieve maximum volume with minimal
parasitic and induced drag. This shape has proven to offer handling
characteristics that are superior to those of the more common
torpedo bulb shapes. This is especially noticeable in high speed
planing and surfing conditions.
The rudder planform uses
fairly thick chord sections but very short chord lengths. The
rudderstock can be either carbon or stainless steel. The highly
refined tip is developed to minimize vortices and the entire
rudder is located well aft for maximum control in high-speed
situations.
SAILPLAN
We have taken a different approach sailing performance with
the Bravura Sportster 29. The rig is tall enough that overlapping
headsails are eliminated. This means only one jib is necessary
for cruising, and eliminates the task of grinding in a genoa
on each tack. The chainplates are located outboard near the
sheer, making this two-spreader rig very rigid and able to be
sailed without running backstays. This boat incorporates a retractable
bowsprit for sailing with large asymmetrical spinnakers, making
cruising a lot more fun because the spinnaker can be set, jibed
and doused without leaving the cockpit. This is also a good
choice for point-to-point racing, but the owner also has the
option of rigging the Bravura Sportster 29 with a conventional
pole and spinnaker for windward/leeward races. Our office has
extensive experience with fractional rigs in both racing and
cruising yachts. We find that with masthead spinnakers and oversize
poles the weakness that fractional rigs have traditionally had
against masthead rigged yachts is eliminated. The Bravura Sportster
29 uses an oversize pole to permit the spinnaker to be of the
best possible aspect ratio for both reaching and running.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Light weight, ease of maintenance and luxurious comfort were
the priorities in this design. Just forward of the main bulkhead
is an enclosed head with a permanent or portable head to starboard
and a vanity with sink to port.
This entire area can closed
off for convenience and privacy. The galley is located just
aft of the main bulkhead. To port is a gimbaled two burner stove
and to starboard is a counter with sink and icebox, and lots
of convenient storage space. In the main cabin are port and
starboard settee berths with stowage compartments under. Quarterberths
are large, comfortable and come with privacy curtains. The accommodations
for this boat are designed for cruising comfort without unnecessary
weight. The forward eight feet of the boat are left empty for
sails and cruising gear stowage, or an optional V-berth can
be installed. The carbon fiber bowsprit also resides here when
in the retracted position. Options include refrigeration, hot/cold
pressure water system and shower. The owner also has a wide
range of color, fabric and ventilation options.
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