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The concept is based on static and dynamic
ballast, and the fact that (sea) water is 850 times heavier than air. Beside
the shape and width of the hull, as well as 1000 kg of useful cargo positioned
mostly below the water line, primary stability is maintained by two 350 L side
tanks/keels. They also minimize the boat making leeway. When the boat heels by
14°-15°, the windward keel fully emerges from the water while the leeward “RIB-
float” begins to submerge. If required water can be pumped at 2 × 100 L/min
from the leeward submerged keel to the windward tank which takes stern
part of a rigid core of “RIB-float”. All four oblong tanks have
transverse bulkheads and are constructional elements of the hull. By using
pumps and water ballast the total stability is almost doubled. It is the same
as having a windward canted keel with a 160cm long fin and a 1300 kg bulb. When
heeling at 35° the stability is highest; comparable to having a 150 cm long
windward canted keel with a 2200 kg bulb. One should bear in mind that water
displacement is less than 3000 kg and draft is only 40 cm. During incident gibe
when water gets caught inside the 'wrong' tanks, the soft part off leeward RIB
-float still provides 700 L of buoyancy on a 1m limb. Considering that heeling
over 120° leads to negative stability, a 25-50 L airbag triggers on top of the
mast to prevent the boat from capsizing. In this way it remains at
approximately 100° horizontal position with possibility of self-righting.
Shifting water partially or fully from lower tanks to upper ones can be used to
change the amplitude of rolling and possibly minimize interference with side
waves.
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