23 knots in Mini 6.50
For its 2nd test run, the Mini 6.50 Nicomatic has more than confirmed its potential. The drone images of the virtuoso Yann Riou are impressive. The boat flies at more than 20 knots in a steady Northeast breeze of about 10 knots off Lorient. With its large foils, it keeps a stable speed and flies well above the lapping.
The skipper Caroline Boule, who co-imagined the project with the sailor and engineer Benoit Marie, called upon Sam Manuard to design this prototype, for the Mini class. Benoit Marie does not hide his satisfaction after these first sailings. "This was only the boat's second sail, and we're already exceeding 20 knots with little wind, which is beyond our expectations. The boat held 23 knots steady for several minutes."
An efficient offshore foil system
For Benoit Marie, who designed the foils, it is the validation of the concept he had imagined. "We tested 5 different shapes of foils on our test boat, the Vini . This allowed us to test at a lower cost before launching. We see that it works well. The foil systems work well. Their geometry allows us to fly early. The boat takes off from 8 knots of wind. They regulate well and the boat flies high. This allows us to pass well in the sea. We designed these foils for offshore, so it's important to be well above the waves. These first sailings in a small chop are positive."
Some clarifications
The team continues to work on the boat. During the navigation filmed by Polaryse, all the appendage adjustment systems were not yet in place, particularly those for the foil rake and rudder incidence, which still leaves room for improvement in the boat's trim management.
We can't wait to see Nicomatic's performance on the Mini circuit, in real offshore races.
