Robinson has long been an innovator and has engineered and hand-built numerous sailboat components over the years that make sailboat racing safer, simpler, and faster.

He has always been fascinated by the possibilities of lighter weights and applications of space-age materials for the purpose of making sailboats go faster, so this combination of events has given Robinson the impetus to go all-out and produce a state-of-the-art sport boat.

Hence the V38 is thirty-eight feet of spectacular sailing, and yet is safer than designs where visibility is obstructed.

It will be built in the same molds as “Victory,” using carbon fiber composite for the hull and deck, which will substantially reduce the weight while increasing stiffness and durability.

According to Robinson, the V38 is strictly a “super-high-performance sport boat” for which he believe there is a world wide market. Many of the features of the V38 are already incorporated into the A Scow “Victory.” Some of the key points include the vang placement and adjustable bowsprit, already mentioned, and a unique rudder linkage system connecting dual rudders to a single tiller, a self tacking jib that simplifies tacking and jibing. A set of carbon fiber sideboards and rudders are perfectly designed for proper hydrodynamics. The fact that they float is an advantage, for it is easy to hold the sideboards down and let them pop up during tacking and jibing and it makes for easy removal of weeds.

Another innovation for the V38: the utilization of a rotating mast. It’s not new (been on multi-hulls and  C Scows forever) but Robinson chose it because it simplifies the rigging. It’s construction is of carbon fiber, and it floats.

Who is the potential buyer for such a high performance craft? Robinson believes there are many pockets of potential V38 owners out beyond the geography of the Midwest who will be excited about the adrenaline pumping speed the V38 will provide. Any enclosed or semi-enclosed body of water where you have enough room to get up to speed is perfect. That definition encompasses a lot of bodies of water around the globe. Just add sailors living nearby with a thirst for speed!

Asked if fleet racing was the goal, Robinson answered that while one design fleet racing was what got him to this point, the simple thrill that comes with bearing off in a 15 mile-per-hour breeze, popping the chute, and feeling the spectacular surge of acceleration will make buyers out of sailors looking for more thrill in their day-sailing experience. The Inland Lakes Yachting Association has approved the establishment f a sub-class within the A Scow Open Fleet to assure the racing venue for the V38 in the Midwest. The "brute speed" appeal will hopefully lead to fleet formation in all corners of the country, and perhaps the world.

He espouses the idea of “quality by design” and it will no-doubt be evident in the final production of the V38. Every control line, turning block, fitting and assembly has been carefully researched and selected or created to minimize weight, yet provide ease of use by the crew, and be durable enough to last for years.

When will it be ready? Many components are completed and ready. The first hulls will be assembled this winter, ready for spectacular sailing in the spring 2007.

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