In the world of sailing, a remarkable trend has emerged this year, as the design philosophy typically associated with racing vessels is making its way into the cruising market. The concept of scow bow hulls, characterized by their wider and more squared-off bow sections, is gaining popularity and has piqued the interest of sailors and boat enthusiasts alike.
The Rolex Fastnet Race, a renowned sailing event, provided a glimpse into the potential of this innovative hull design. The Class 40 fleet, in particular, showcased the scow bow’s impressive performance, even when faced with challenging wind and tide conditions. Traditionally, a slim and narrow hull has been deemed ideal for sailing upwind in strong winds. However, the modern Class 40 boats feature a broad, forward-reaching beam that gives them a distinctive square-shaped bow, deviating from the conventional pointed bow design.
The advantage of these scow bow vessels becomes evident when they heel. Despite their wide bow, they present a relatively narrow submerged section, which doesn’t forcefully collide with oncoming waves, as one might expect from their shape. Additionally, their substantial righting moment provides the power needed to overcome large waves and minimizes the time spent sailing upwind. This inherent stability also plays a crucial role in handling strong gusts, allowing for simple adjustments, such as depowering the mainsail with added twist, rather than hurriedly reefing the sails.
While this hull design has only gained prominence in the last decade, particularly within the Mini 6.50, Class 40, and IMOCA 60 fleets, it is now making inroads into the world of cruising yachts. These cruising scow bow designs offer not only enhanced sailing performance but also the potential for significantly greater internal volume compared to vessels of similar length.
**Skaw Paradise:**
One of the remarkable boats embodying this scow bow concept is the Skaw Paradise, an 11.3-meter foiling scow bow cruiser. Founded by Benoit Marie, the CEO of Skaw, this vessel has its roots in the racing scene but has been meticulously reworked to create the ultimate cruiser. The boat is designed to comfortably accommodate friends and family on journeys to uncharted destinations, promising both safety and speed.
What sets the Skaw Paradise apart is its fully retractable C-foils, which act as motion dampeners, providing a smoother ride while enhancing stability and speed. Although inspired by the racing world, the design of the Skaw Paradise emphasizes simplicity, ensuring that it is not overly complicated to sail.
**SailScow 37:**
Top-level racing sailors, like Armel Tripon, who participated in the 2020 Vendée Globe, have been instrumental in driving the trend of scow bow cruising yachts. Tripon’s name is associated with SailScow, a brand currently developing a range of scow bow designs ranging from 28 to 42 feet.
The first model from SailScow is a 37-foot cruiser designed by Gildas Plessis, a staunch advocate of this hull shape. This marine ply and epoxy construction offers a significant increase in internal space compared to yachts of similar length. Buyers can choose between a four-cabin layout, featuring two double cabins forward and additional double and twin cabins aft, or a spacious owner’s cabin forward, with a double cabin and ample storage space.
**VPLP Fast Cruising Scow:**
VPLP, known for its cutting-edge designs, presents the Fast Cruising Scow, a 40-foot concept that aims to maximize both performance and comfort. The boat features a covered and glazed saloon/cockpit area, reminiscent of cruising catamarans, offering protection from the elements during dining and watchkeeping. Its substantial air draught and retractable foils not only generate significant power but also reduce heel angles and cushion the boat’s passage through waves.
**Mojito 30:**
IDB Marine, a Breton yard, has been at the forefront of scow bow design in cruising boats. The Mojito 650, based on the successful Maxi 650 designed by David Raison, has adopted the extreme scow bow hull. This detuned version offers a panoramic view from its new coachroof and a six-berth interior with a full-size double bed forward. While it simplifies the rig compared to the original, it retains the potential for high speeds and competitive upwind sailing, making it an enticing choice for sailors.
**RM 1080:**
RM Yachts, a La Rochelle-based shipyard with a rich history of producing fast plywood/epoxy performance cruisers, has introduced a new model. The RM 1080, designed by Marc Lombard, draws inspiration from modern raceboats to create a spacious, fast, and dry 36-footer. It offers enhanced safety, increased internal and external space, and improved ease of movement, all while maintaining a balanced bow design for efficient passage through waves.
The emergence of scow bow designs in cruising yachts is a testament to the innovation and adaptability of the sailing world. These vessels, inspired by their racing counterparts, promise improved performance, stability, and comfort, making them an exciting prospect for sailors seeking a unique and exhilarating cruising experience.
