Mono-maran: that is how we could define the hull of “Junoplano,” which is like one of the hulls of a cat. As well as two rotating foils, this 18-metre uldb has a canting keel (60° per side, which is 15°more than the keels on the 60’ for boc and vendée) and a pivoting wing mast in carbon, seat in the deck, without shrouds.
“Junoplano” paved the way for the creation of fast cruising yachts with a canting keel as a righting element to increase comfort and safety as well as performance. The experimental purpose of “Junoplano” is obviously also a challenge. The canting keel system, together with the two bow-stern appendages, pivoting with a vertical axis (“Twin Foils”), in fact aims to solve the problem of the traditional keel, i.e., the conflict of interest between the two basic functions – righting and capacity. The result is the dream of every yachtsman: close haul or broad reach without side slip. Therefore, being able to count on the entire righting movement, it has been possible to design a hull with a lower waterline area, limiting the “hull resistance” effect of every displacement mono-hull. Form an aerodynamic viewpoint, the choice of pivoting mast means a sail plan with greater useful thrust and lower tilt effect, while the centre of gravity of mast and rig is about 3 m lower than a classical shrouded mast, which reduces lurching on the waves.
The interiors are light and basic, but suitable for cruising and long sailing trips: 10 berths, 2 heads, fully-equipped galley, 2 fridges, heating, and water maker. The deck has two large cockpits, one for relaxing in, without any rig, and an operative one with simple bar rudder.
