A passionate project through and through
During his naval architecture studies, Colin embarked on the design and construction of a scale model of the Oracle catamaran, an AC 72 that competed in the 2013 America's Cup. This project enabled him not only to put his technical skills into practice, but also to explore the intricacies of hydrodynamics and the design of a 72-foot hydrofoil catamaran.
" I've always built model boats, initially out of cardboard, scotch tape, plastic and whatever else I could get my hands on. When I was younger, I had already designed and built a model of the USA17 trimaran for the 2010 Cup. Then, during the following campaign, I did an internship with the American Oracle team. Young and full of imagination, I was flooded with images of this boat. I'd dream about it at night.
Then, at the end of the course, being part of the team enabled me to get a 3D file of the catamaran's general shape.
At the start of the 2013 academic year, I joined a naval architecture course. With a lot of motivation, and using the school's software, I redrew the plans for the famous model of the catamaran that made me dream so much"
At this stage, Colin's aim was to build a single radio-controlled model, but along the way he decided to build two sisterships, to be sailed in a match race.
Then the encounters he made as a student helped Colin realize this project:
"The following summer, I did an internship with Groupama Sailing Team. Loïc Dorez gave me some scraps of carbon fabric, 40g/m2, which was very difficult to source. Usually used on C Class boats, this providential gift helped me a lot in my project. But at the time, I had no proper accommodation, let alone a workshop to work with carbon fiber!"
"I took my chances in all the workshops at the Lorient base, and it was the Marsaudon shipyard that agreed to put me up for the time it took to build my model. In the bunker, it's a very special working environment, and a bit scary at night when everything's empty and there's a North-West depression outside."
"I built male molds, on a slab of foam with a non-stick film, which I laminated by hand, a bit old-fashioned. I then acquired laminate sheets to make the wing ribs, which form the backbone of the rigid wing."
"We couldn't do laser cutting on such small parts, so I called in a local service provider who does waterjet cutting. It wasn't easy, as they're more used to making large parts."
Back to England for the second phase of the project
"In the meantime, I had to go back to England for the start of the school year at the Southampton School of Architecture. They sent me all the parts, and I was able to start assembly, all through the school year."
"It would be a lie to say that I didn't miss a few hours of class to make all this happen."
"Settled in my studio, which looked more like a building site than a student bedroom, I spent night after night. Between the carbon dust, the epoxy resin and the various construction products, my room was unique. I even installed a small oven under my bed to bake certain parts."
"I ordered the famous transparent film that covers the wing, which is produced by an Italian company. Like any self-respecting building site, I was behind schedule. I did all this in the greatest secrecy, no other students were allowed to enter my room."
"The famous wing film is applied when heated, which destroyed some ribs, which couldn't take the pressure. I had to redo them several times, taking everything apart each time."
"I repatriated the various elements home to Marseille at the end of the school year, and continued to work on them throughout the summer."
"The day before I left for my 2 e back home, I finally finished assembling it. I was going back to England for a year, and I absolutely had to sail it before I left. But in the euphoria, I wasn't thinking clearly. There were 15 knots of wind, which is strong for this type of craft, and the sailing was a failure."
"I built a large wooden crate to transport the dismantled model, and made Marseille Southampton with the trunk open. In England, I was mainly focused on my master's degree, and I completed the finishing touches on both examples throughout the year."
"At the end of my Master's year, they were exhibited on the school's premises, and I repatriated them to Marseille."
"And many details have been transcribed on these scale models, which still measure two meters in air draft. The foils go up and down, the wing is of course adjustable, but in a more simplified version than on the AC72. In 2012, they could adjust the wing flaps independently, these flaps on the models are mechanical, with a single clew at the bottom of the wing."
"And as on 'the real thing', the angle of attack of the rudders, which also have elements of the carriers, are adjustable on land."
Giving a second life to these beautiful objects
With his diploma in hand, Colin embarked on a professional career that took him far from Marseille, where the models were stored for several years.
"I've been passionate and obsessed about this project, and it wouldn't do these models justice to leave them in an attic. So I've decided to give them away, either to someone who wants to sail them, or just display them. The first one has already found a buyer, and the second is still available for sale..."
If you are interested in this model, write to the newspaper by following this link who will pass on to Colin
