Skedaddle 24 - Cruising Catamaran

Boat Review, by Steve Meek

'Skedaddle' in the Oxford Dictionary means: Run away or disperse in flight. This is a very accurate description of the capability of this exciting new locally designed and built, day-sailing catamaran.

The customer, Andries Van Veen, who has owned many boats in the past, knew what he wanted when he briefed Naval Architect Anton Du Toit with his needs for this project. It had to be light weight (manageable by two people), trailable, have good sailing performance, and be sea worthy.

It fulfills all those points admirably. Here's how:

Construction

Polyester Resin with foam core laid up in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment.

Rig

Southern Spar Alloy mast and boom supporting a large roached fully battened mainsail for small roller furling self-tacking jib. The main has simple slab reefing.

Sailing the Skedaddle

The boat only draws 0.63cm and has stubby keels so one can sail in shallow waters easily.

I was impressed when in 10 knots of wind the boat tacked very easily with no need to backwind the jib or reverse the rudders. Our speed upwind was a healthy five knots and the pointing ability was very similar to a Hobie 16, which was sailing near us.

When the boat is freed off and the large gennicker is hoisted, the boat feels very nimble and in 12 knots we were doing 6.5 knots at 90 degrees apparent wind angle. The cockpit can seat eight people easily as it extends to the stern. There is a large amount of storage space under the lockable cockpit seats for any equipment. There is a huge spray dodger spanning the full beam, which has a removable bimini to give shelter when needed.

The boat is easily powered by an 8hp outboard on a bracket, which lifts up when sailing. This does not compromise the cockpit space at all. There is a clever steering system which comprises hidden tillers and a simple tiller extension, which disconnects to leave the cockpit totally clear of fittings. There are many innovative features on this boat from removable 'keel wheels' for easy slipping, to the very simple rigging system and tabernacle mast step.

The accommodation is simple for weight reasons and comprises a 1.1m wide berth by 2m long in each hull, with heads aft in each hull. The companion way hatch is removable to allow headroom and easy access to hull accommodation.

This boat will appeal to many people who sail in sheltered waters, and who want the option of moving the boat to different venues easily. For this reason a trailer has been designed to make assembly for moving easy, and the boat can be dismantled to be a legal towing width on roads.

The family will love this extremely handsome boat, which fulfills the many needs of a yachtsman. The finish of the boat is of export quality and it is already in production in Cape Town.

It will be available for viewing at the Cape Town Boat Show in October. Further information from Andries Van Veen 083 227 5711.

SAILING September 2008
www.sailingmag.com

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