NOOTKA DANCER was conceived 15 years ago in Hamilton, Ontario, by John and Helen Eisner, when they decided to build a big catamaran based on the catamarans of the native America Indians of the Pacific Northwest. Its unique profile is admired by all who see it.
Three years ago and tons of epoxy later, they finally launched the boat and motor-sailed to south Florida where they finished the project. Several innovations are obvious, the most conspicuous being the Aero Rig. This was the second set of Aero Rig sails UK Halsey Miami built and there are very specific challenges to be met. The leech dimension is very precise with little leeway because there is some mast deflection in spite of the carbon lay-up. Matching this deflection with the luff curve and the leech length leaves little room for error � according to John, we nailed it.
John had to finish the Aero Rig details, and in the process he paid plenty of attention to small details. For example he decided to lead the reef lines internally and all lines including the main and jib halyards exited on the same side of the boom and mast to make use of a powerful electric winch. Raising the main sail is a snap and the fathead main projects plenty of sail area since there is no backstay!
John, Helen and I went on the first sailing sea trial together and it was a hoot. The boat really took off once the sails were trimmed. Later on in the delivery to the Chesapeake, John and Helen sailed the boat by themselves, comfortably averaging 10 to 12 knots. They plan to explore the East Coast and invite their sailing friends from Canada to join them. I''m sure they''ll get plenty of takers to sail with them on this beautiful, simple and fast boat.
? Mark Wood, UK-Halsey Miami
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