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The design goal in creating the Mumm 30 was a state-of-the-art One Design
keelboat that would be fast and exciting, yet uncomplicated and economical.
We set about the design of the Mumm 30 with a 'clean sheet of paper' in that
there are no rating rule driven compromises in performance.
Experience
Our experience in Whitbread 60's and America's Cup boats gave us confidence
that incredible light air speed does not necessary dictate large overlapping
jibs. Fractional rigs are preferred over masthead for performance and
handling, but with no arbitrary rule restrictions, masthead spinnakers will
turbo-charge the boat down wind. The symmetrical vs. asymmetrical masthead
spinnaker debate is a non-issue. Each has its advantages and place so we
have allowed for both, making the Mumm 30 today's most versatile boat.
During design conferences, we applied a simple test for complex issues,
"will this detail or feature make the boat more fun to sail?" Time and
again, we found that the simplest solution was the best one. For example,
there are no running backstays. The extra crewman needed for the runners,
and the chance of losing the rig if the runners aren't set up properly are
eliminated.
The boat has a very high righting moment because high stability means speed
upwind and a boat that is easier to get in the groove. In order to achieve
high stability with a minimum amount of weight and drag, we have employed a
keel reminiscent of our Whitbread 60 designs. A large lead bulb is supported
by a cast steel fin which produces a reliable, durable structure with
maximum righting moment. High stability also means less need for a lot of
people on the rail. The low overlap headsails mean that the winches are tiny
and dexterity take precedence over power: smaller crew, and smaller sail
budgets!
Simplicity
Simplicity of function comes from elegance of design, but neither comes
easily. Meticulous care has been taken in the engineering and construction
of every component in the Mumm 30. The rig is simple to use, but is
state-of-the-art carbon fibre laminate, tested and refined to suit the boat
perfectly. The hull is carefully built of vacuum bagged wet pre-preg epoxy
and post cured in an oven with the same materials and processes so well
developed in the Mumm 36. The rudder stock is autoclaved carbon fibre:
strong, light, and virtually maintenance free. Complex technology is
employed intelligently to yield simplicity.
The Mumm 30 has amazed competitors on the race course with its speed in all
conditions, but the real test is when sailors actually take the helm. The
boat has balance and superb control both upwind and down. It accelerates
like a dinghy, but feels like a big boat going upwind in a breeze. The
cockpit is a marvel of comfort and efficiency from the innovative folding
foot tracks, to the internal sail controls. "Everything is easily at hand,
functional and smooth. This sailing machine will be easy for less
experienced crews to handle, and will never stop rewarding the most
experienced sailor."
Bruce Farr. President, Bruce Farr & Associates Inc.
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