Ahoy! Proafile has just undergone a big update (EE v.2 to v.6) and is now getting back into shape. Some images are missing but should appear again shortly. If you find any functionality not working, please let me know via the Contact Form, thanks.
I’m uploading an old racing proa concept from 2016 as a test entry, I don’t think I’ve published it before.
Mark Palmquist is a craftsman and furniture designer from Frederick, Maryland, who has sent us some 3d models of his intriguing new proa design. He writes:
Mark Palmquist is the son of Martti J. Palmquist, a pilot and inventor who experimented with and patented a new type of multihull called a ‘Wingmaran’ which is similar to a trimaran but instead of long skinny amas, it features a high aspect ratio hydroplaning wing. …
Paul Bieker is continuing to develop the power outrigger. His latest 24 footer will achieve a cruising speed of 15 knots and 25 max, with a 25 hp 4-stroke outboard. Power outriggers should really become the maritime “pickup truck”. Bieker says:
This plywood outrigger power boat is being built in Martha’s Vineyard. We started with the 20 foot power proa as a template, and modified it for a slightly bigger motor and simpler structure…
Cat 600 is the latest design from Pjoa, and their first offering that is not an outrigger! Like all their boats, the 6m long double canoe employs their highly evolved crab claw sail. Designed for day sailing and camp cruising, the canoe is intended to be launched from the beach and through the surf. Brimming with carefully considered details, the plywood stitch and glue construction will appeal to home builders.
See more here.
The proa JO-D by Denis Kergomard is available for full or half ownership here. It’s a beautiful boat, designed to sail as an Atlantic proa, but with the ability to sail with the ama to windward, and to tack as well as shunt. Google translate offers:
Magnificent prao of 10.50 built by the workshop of the meridian in composite sandwich pvc glass polyester and cp / glass / carbon / epoxy. The build and design quality is superb. The boat…
Minimus II is an interesting design project that is now undergoing sea trials off the Oregon coast. Designed by David Omick and Pearl Mast for comfortable, if minimal, ocean transport for two in the trade winds, the boat is also carefully and creatively designed to make a minimal dent in the wallet. While the 4-masted junk rig may be considered a bit over the top, there is a reason for the madness, and I admire their willingness to try…
Jo and Rob of the sailing yacht Double Trouble post an interesting video about WAM (not the 80’s band) but Waan Aelon in Majel, a canoe and boat building school in Majuro, Marshall Islands. The idea is to provide a way for islanders to get off the petrol habit. Gas powered launches supply the islands now, and it is ruinously expensive, thus the interest in alternatives. Henrik Richter-Alten and Rob Denney are conducting a 3 month…
The RECORD for the non-stop sailing from New York to San Francisco via Cape Horn is being attempted this November by Ryan Finn, on a proa! He chose this specific challenge because he wanted to incorporate American sponsors on a classic American clipper ship route. Ryan will be sailing JZERRO, a 36’ Pacific proa designed and built by Russell Brown, which has already sailed to New Zealand and back from the U.S. and is a proven blue water…
KANU-1 is a design commissioned by Paul Cheevers in Papua New Guinea. It is a solo paddle canoe intended for reef fishing off the beach. Paul writes:
My idea is to make a product that will give a boost to the local fisheries sector. At present most fishing is done from Yamaha-powered banana boats (pangas). That is fine if you can afford one, but most cannot. I am aiming more towards the women in the village who would paddle out at…
Gaia’s Dream, the 71’ Pacific cargo proa we have reported on before, is up for sale in New South Wales, Australia for AU $79,000 (about US $55,300). Or rather it was - it is now listed as sold! Apparently the proa myth that you get more boat for the money is actually true in this case. Originally, Yvette Ini Wijnen had designed the boat with a fore and aft canting mast that ran on a curved track, to allow the CE to shift forward during…
