I've got about 10 hours of sailing time in the 20 since launch in conditions from 2-6kts to 15-18kts. I can say with confidence the 20 is powerful, well balanced, and fast. A full report on her sailing qualities will be coming out soon, but in brief:
-Balance: Right in the sweet spot of just enough weather helm. It's a two finger tiller. The rudder on the 20 as drawn by NGH is proportionally larger than the Fish and 12.5. I think this makes a big difference in controlling the boat in heavy air and big puffs. I've gone out of my way in heavy air to try and let the mainsail over power the helm without success. You are always in control with a light touch on the tiller.
-Power: The first few times we went out were in light air (2-5kts) and the performance was astonishing. Without feeling a breadth of air at water lever, the large roach and full battens up high will drive the 20 right along (see the video
http://youtu.be/Gju56_knixA ). I will admit this fact initially had me worried we would be reefing early in heavier conditions. The first time we went out in over 15kts we had a client with us and I had no idea whether to be safe and put a reef in or just go out and see what happened. We went without the reef and it was the right decision. In 15-18 she heels over comfortably to where there is still about 3 inches of freeboard on the leeward side and drives through chop with confidence. The light spar (the tube is less than 40lbs) and 58% ballast ratio (final number, not yet published) has a lot to do with this quality.
-The furler: Many people have scoffed the furler. The fact is being able to pull on a line to put the jib away means less time rigging / de-rigging and more time sailing. For me it's an easy decision.
Anyone who wants to go sailing is welcome to come try her out, but schedule with Peter Sterrett (
www.herreshoffyachtsales.com) soon because she will be packed up for the Annapolis Show in a few weeks and will either spend the winter in our show room or FL.
Charles: You got them all except maybe the cold-molded construction and epoxy paint systems.
I'm off to Europe for three weeks of schooner racing....
