|
Designer
Comments Our goal in
developing the Mumm 30 was to create a state-of-the-art
offshore one-design 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. Our
experience in Whitbread 60's and American's Cup boats gave
us confidence that incredible light air speed does not
necessarily require large overlapping jibs. Fractional
rigs are preferred over mast head rigs for upwind
performance and easy handling, but with no arbitrary rule
restrictions, masthead spinnakers will turbo-charge the
boat downwind. The symmetrical vs. asymmetrical 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 downwind 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 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 developed a keel that is 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 non-overlapping
headsails mean that the winches are tiny, and dexterity
takes precedence over power: smaller crew, and smaller
sail budgets!
Meticulous care has been
taken in the engineering and construction of every
component on the Mumm 30. Carroll Marine and our other
builders around the world use exceptional workmanship and
attention to detail to insure quality standards and an
exact one-design configuration, similar to the Mumm 36.
The rig is simple to use, but it is state-of-the-art
carbon fiber 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 on the Mumm 36.
The rudder stock is autoclaved carbon fiber: 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 rest is when sailors actually
take the helm. The boat has a large rudder which provides
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 footracks, 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. Have fun!
|
