The design of a formula 28 catamaran

Having done a project of designing a motorboat in the 2nd year, the author’s interest of designing a sailing boat for his 3rd year project was reinforced. The choice was then between a multihull and a monohull. The advantage of the students of Southampton Institute is that they can use some modern tools like the towing tank, or the wind tunnel. The choice of dissertation was then turned to experimentations and testing. \nLooking to the past dissertation, most of the designs have been done on monohull. Hence, a large quantity of information is available. The interest of doing some testing on multihulls was an evidence for the author. \nIn order to compare the results to existing boats, a choice has been done to use a class of boat that is regulated by rules. Consequently, the dissertation is about designing a formula 28 catamaran. This class is regulated by very precise rules. It is a racing boat that has to be habitable. \nAfter a quick calculation, it has been proved that the boat is too light, compared to the length and the beam, to fit in the towing tank. The formula 28 catamaran weights 750 kg for 8.53m long and 5.4m width around. \nToday, the formula 28 boats are not used for cruising, despite the boats have a minimum of accommodations. The design was then orientated to use the catamaran for cruising as much as racing. \n