Black is Fastest!

[Tom Spohn]

OK guys--Just returned from the BWY Rendezvous at Port Orchard Marina and am ready to put the hull color debate to bed. Blue and white are both slower than Black. Todd and Cheryl McChesney, the owners of Blue Water Yachts, unveiled their new customized 26M at the rendezvous which they described as a concept boat. The boat or a similar one is not for sale, but she has lots of interesting new things that Todd is trying out which may find their way into the retail world in the future.

The boat is a Black hulled M with a "Pirates of the Carribean" theme named Perla Noir (Black Pearl). By reducing thickness of hatch covers (with same molds), using composite rigging, leaving off the head door, going with the Tohatsu 70 instead of the Suzuki (saves 45 lbs.), Todd was able to take about 450 lbs out of the top of the boat. He then cast a lead "torpedo" which is attached to a stock, but strengthened, centerboard which adds 450 lbs to the keel. A new 6:1 lift mechanism just aft of the mast allows the board to be raised and lowered. With the new keel the boat is sailed in normal winds with the water ballast drained. This means the boat is net 1100 lbs lighter than any other M when sailing. For really nasty conditions the water ballast can be added for extra safety.

The boat has a new adjustable bowsprit which runs through a new "banjo fitting" which has the new assymetrical spinnaker attached. The aft end of the bowsprit is attached to a traveller just aft of the anchor locker which allows the bowsprit to pivot.

A new set of carbon sails was fitted for up wind work. (drool)

Lines led aft also control the amount of rotation in the mast rather than letting it hinge free.

Composite shrouds, stays, and new running backstays which run to the Genoa track are also fitted.

On top of all this Todd finished the boat with three applications of 3M polish and 4 coats of wax. The whole boat looked like a black and white mirror.

Here are some pics of the boat:
Carbon jib
Bowsprit Traveller
6:1 C/B Retract Mechanism
Tohatsu 70
Perla Noir
Proud Papa (Todd)
New Sail Prices
Black Hull
Composite Rigging
Composite Backstay
Spinnaker Flying

For you guys that like to discuss X vs M sailing speed, the results in the "Not Quite a Race" were First: X, Second: M, Third: X. Incidentally the first place X was piloted by Frank Mighetto or maybe it was wife, Lisa while Frank took a nap.

[hamshog]

The boat looks extremely nice. It shows what you can do when money is no object. I didn't see any windows on the side????

My 04 26M black paint on the top has oxidized badly. It isn't from lack of waxing. I have applied several coats of wax in the year and half that I have owned the boat. I use an orbital polisher and high speed polishing wheel. Neither will remove the oxidation completely. It is sad to see such inferior paint being used.

[Tom Root]

Thanks Tom!

Ohhhh, that Carbon Jib....is it working or Gennie? I am looking for a furled Carbon Jenny right now actually....what does she list for?

Way to go Frank M. ! Now he has credability from me! Braging rights all over that! Truly, I am glad he did race...now, when can I get him to come south to show me the ropes!

[Terry]

I'll be saving my boat pennies for BlueWater Yachts, now I know where to get new sails.
I've always wondered about a lead torpedo which I first saw on the prototype Hobie Magic monohull. I figured it was a great match for the 26M and I'd love to see a picture of it. If it goes to production I'll be sure to put my name in for one. I think Roger should mould in a concave hollow for one in the hull. How would it affect speed under engine power? How about a three chambered water ballast. One third full downt the center line or two thirds full on the two sides of it or full ballast with all three, along with the lead torpedo of course. The ballast needs more individual control for different conditions, albeit it could be dangerous in the wrong hands. Just another perspective on it Love the new ideas Todd has though

[Richard O'Brien]

Boy that's a bad looking boat ,Tom. I just keep looking over your pics trying to see more details? Does it trailer? did he have a special cut-out made for the bulb to recess in? Are we going to see some racing results later this summer? Boy! very exciting post!

[Don T]

Hello:
Oh sure, just after I post about needing a new genoa up comes the carbon fibre $1300.00 go fast really cool genoa!!! Now how am I supposed to talk the admiral into that?

[Tom Root]

Seriously Don T. this is what I did...I just let the standard working Jib on the furler without protection. It is in nearly total shreds, and since the admiral said no to a replacement Roller Genoa...uhhh, now I really need it!

Just to let all know in the SoCal sunshine, life expectancy of an unprotected Jib is only 1.5 years.....or less!

Oh, I finally clicked on the sails price. That's really not bad at all! another 300+ for protection though...getting a bit steeper!

So, do they sell Gennies

[Tom Spohn]

Hamshog--The black trim is not paint. It is black gellcoat. Once it starts to oxidize it is very difficult to bring it back. I have pretty good results with 3M or Meguires cleaner wax. Check the archives--others have had good results with other remedies

Tom Root--I believe the headsail is a jib. All you need when you have an adjustable assymetrical spinnaker.

Terry--Todd says he gives up some motoring speed to the torpedo under the hull, but not sure how much. I am guessing that if a space was molded into the hull for it Roger would have to go back to the X design. OOps didn't want to open that again. You need to be saving boat bucks if you want the new sails!!

Richard--Todd says the boat fits OK on the trailer, but BWY lifts them on and off with a monster crane. I am guessing it won't slide on and off.

Don T--Todd says the stock sails are worth about a grand. Good replacements would be about two grand and amazingly good replacements are the one he worked with UK to develop. $4000 Ouch!
Lessee how much is in this piggy bank--gonna be awhile. Seriously, of all the new stuff on this boat the new sails are at the top of my list, and you can get 'em now.

[Gerald Gordon]

Such wonderful sails! Does the hight of the bulb/daggarboard mechanisim interfer with lowering the mast? It appears from the picture that there is not enough angle to allow the mast to lower. Maybe not.

[Frank C]

Gerald Gordon

Good observation, I wondered the same thing, but considered the proto type 6:1 purchase design could be reformed with a smaller lower “Magic Box” without the full blocks, to provide clearance reflecting the original height "M's" design. ~~ Me Mine

If I recall correctly, the Harken magic boxes only provide 12" to 18" of working "throw." Useless for raising a dagger board.