New boats: First flying lesson for the Knierim Mini

The design comes from the Frenchman Thomas Tison and is quite remarkable. The extremely flat, almost rectangular scow bow is particularly striking. There are also plenty of hull appendages: V-shaped side foils, a tilting keel with a deflection of 45 degrees on each side, plus a centreboard that can also be raised for more lateral surface area on the wind. The single rudder with T-foils is attached to an extension at the stern and at a distance from the boat, similar to the foiling moth. The profile depth of the so-called "elevator" can be adjusted from the cockpit - exciting and very unusual; to date still unique in the form and design in the Mini 6.50 class.

The innovative project is being realised in the high-tech workshop of Knierim Yachtbau in Kiel. The boat consists entirely of a carbon fibre sandwich construction with prepreg laminates and a Nomex honeycomb core. Designer Thomas Tison calculated the weight at 200 grams per square metre for the inner layers and 400 grams per square metre for the outside of the hull, making it light as a feather. In addition, there are of course fully laminated carbon fibre reinforcements in the area of the fuselage appendages, especially where the foils are anchored. Incidentally, the two side wings are completely retractable in order to avoid the additional resistance in the water when there is little wind.

According to the designer, the ocean-going dwarf should fit into the current regulations for prototypes in the Mini 6.50 class. The plan is to take part in the Mini Transat 2021 and the qualifying regattas in the run-up. It is still unclear who will skipper Knierim's promising Mini 6.50. According to Knierim Managing Director and Project Manager Steffen Müller, the possibility of a sailor from Germany taking over the ship cannot be ruled out. The shipyard is currently examining possible candidates.

A few days ago, the finished hull was subjected to a towing test. The boat took off quickly on the wings and immediately entered an astonishingly stable flight phase, comments Müller. He describes the tests as extremely successful. The carbon fibre rig has also already been built and is ready to be set up. The first tests under sail may therefore take place in the coming weeks. In any case, we can look forward to the first experiences.