LONG FINE BOWS slice through waves with minimal resistance, and rounded foredecks shed water. At these speeds there is no avoiding waves - the key is to keep sailing right through them without slowing down significantly. This has become the norm on the latest generation of large oceangoing multihulls such as Ellen MacArthur's 75' B&Q, Franck Cammas' 105' Groupama 3, and Pascal Bidegorry's new 131' Banque Populaire V.
HIGH FREEBOARD vertically distributes reserve buoyancy in the bows with minimal flare in the forward sections, and also provides almost 1 meter of beam-clearance to avoid slamming waves.
HULL AND FOIL SHAPES are a direct development of the CFD and tank testing R&D program undertaken by VPLP for Franck Cammas' trimaran Groupama 2, which dominated the French ORMA 60 fleet.
Hourglass forward sections and dreadnaught stem profile. The benefits of wave-piercing sections, where the maximum beam is carried at the waterline, have been well proven in small catamarans to substantially reduce hobby horsing. For a larger, offshore-capable boat, the principle is the same, but the solution is a more even vertical distribution of volume.
Flat rocker with rounded sections forward transitioning into distinct U-shaped sections aft derives from VPLP's tank testing. The round forward sections give a gentle motion. The flatter aft sections provide a planning surface and additional buoyancy where the crew weight is centered. Flat rocker provides for high top end speed.
Advanced foil sections -- crucial for maintaining control at high speeds -- were developed by VPLP for the ORMA 60 trimarans working with aerodynamicist Mick Kermarec (currently with BMW Oracle Racing).
