The accompanying drawings of the centreboard dinghy ‘Kazan’ are proof that the latest findings in aerodynamics are having an ever-greater influence on yacht design. Our magazine can rightly claim the honour of having been having been the only magazine – not only amongst German publications but also amongst specialist sailing journals in other countries – to have recognised the importance of this issue and to have contributed to the development of modern sails through scientific articles.
The German designer Franz Kampe, who heads the Dunav shipyard near Belgrade, was also inspired by the articles in *Yacht* to develop a new form of dinghy sailing. He writes to us on this subject:
“Far beyond Germany’s borders, sailors sit together in cosy conversation and discuss with keen interest the imminent revolution in traditional sail designs, which Messrs Bauermeister, Curry, Croseck and many others have finally brought closer to practical realisation. The ‘Yacht’ has always inspired us designers to seek out and pursue new forms and approaches in yacht building. Even if this has not always been crowned with great success, the many small successes have nevertheless given rise to a number of innovations that have now taken shape and form.”
As I was reading Mr Bauermeister’s article, which appeared in *Yacht* No. 48, and considering its practical implications, it occurred to me that the necessary materials for the sharp bend in the mast shown in sketch No. 2 are not available in all areas. One must then find another way to achieve the desired result. In my view, the same effect can be achieved if the mast is only slightly curved at the top and, instead of the strongly curved section of mast, a slightly curved gaff is chosen, which then produces the same elliptical outline. In Germany, round timbers are usually made from spruce, but here in the Banat we have only Transylvanian spruce at our disposal, which otherwise possesses the best qualities in every respect. As masts and yards are glued together from two or three sections for greater strength, they would not withstand severe curvature in the long run. I therefore decided to construct the round timbers from two halved and grooved sections with a 10 mm thick cedar insert, thereby achieving exceptional strength."
Are there any traditional wooden dinghies in your local sailing area? Tell us about them in the comments!
