Multihulls for Cruising and Racing

Part 1 In the beginning - the origins and evolution of the multihull, and the lessons learned through trial and error: raft boats; kaimiloa; outriggers and proas; Hawaiian catamarans; double canoes; the Prout brothers; early trimarans; Captain Cook; James Wharram; Sir William Petty; Arthur Piver; Nathaniel Herreshof; today's designers. Part 2 Why a multihull? - the features in their favour, and a few against: speed; accommodation; faster than the wind; stability and motion; weight; causes of capsize; windage; cost; passage time; insurance; shoal draught; multihulls and monohulls compared. Part 3 Design and performance (part 1) handicapping, hull shapes and computer-aided design: speed formulae; hull cross-sections; performance yardsticks; accommodation volume; ratings; prismatic coefficient; formula 26 and 28; asymmetry; wavemaking resistance; rocker; displacement, length and beam; pitching; frictional resistance; computer-aided design. Part 4 Design and performance (part 2) stability and the dynamics of capsize, floats, centreboards and rudders: trimaran floats; capsize risk; stability; high buoyancy floats; wave action; survival compartments; keels and centreboards; effects of heeling; rudders; cross beams and rig tension; rudders. Part 5 Design and performance (part 3) sails and sail forces, aerodynamic drag, apparent wind speed and angle, rigs, masts and rigging: how sails work; stalling; sail interaction; sail forces; apparent windspeed; hull air drag; rig; apparent wind angle; sail areas; roach; full length battens; spinnakers; fractional rig; self-tacking headsail; standing rigging; mast bend; storm jib; rotating masts; wingmasts; reefing and furling gear; deck gear. Part 6 Engines and generators: auxiliary engines; diesels; outboard motors; cavitation; generators. Part 7 Construction - boatbuilding and materials and techniques: wood; mechanical properties; moisture content; rot; epoxy resin; framing; plywood; developed plywood; laminated hulls; cylinder moulding; constant camber; strip planking; moulded plastics; reinforcing materials; resin types; blistering; sandwich construction; core materials; kit panel system. Part 8 Road trailers - legal requirements, mechanical features, rigging and launching the boat: the law on your trail; speed and size constraints; weight and brakes; couplings; tyres; lights; aids and accessories; trailer types; stepping the mast; launching tips. Part 9 Handling under sail - procedures in cruising and racing, and heavy weather tactics: apparent wind; the effect of gusts; releasing sheets; sailing close hauled; tacking; heaving to; anchoring; use of telltales; controlling sail shape; reaching; running; spinnaker handling; downwind tacking; velocity made good; reefing; strong wind sailing; steering to windward; off the wind in heavy weather; survival tactics.