32' Paris Centerboard Cruising Sloop (1991) - PETREL

Petrel is one of two boats built to my P-32 design, and was started in 1983 and finally launched in 2012. The P-32 is a modern update of the traditional keel/centerboard configuration. The low aspect centerboard’s sections with its arced trailing edge matches its slot in the ballast keel and changes from a high lift section to a low drag 66 section as the board is raised. The low aspect ratio rudder has excellent control when going astern, just avoid the tiller pining one to the cockpit coaming. The lines were developed using sections and diagonals an approach influenced by discussions with Knud Reimers during a week sailing with him in the UK. The P-32 fractional rig has a jib with half the area of the main. This ratio yields the highest efficency per square foot of sail area and commonly seen on traditional one designs of fifty plus years ago. With its permanently bent mast the flat cut main’s draft increases as the mainsheet is eased. The lazyjacks are rigged much lower than commonly seen so the first full length batten clears the lazyjacks after the halyard is hoisted about four feet. The dodger over the forward cockpit creates a soft pilothouse which is narrow enough for the helmsman to have a clear view forward. Many items of custom hardware were designed and fabricated such as the antifouling coppernickel centerboard trunk with its bottom angles extending forward for the maststep and the handrails raised 7.5 inches above the house top so one doesn’t need to bend over when going forward. A fin is fitted below the prop shaft skeg to deflect items that might foul the prop.