Double Olympic Gold Medallist Alex Gregory MBE and friends takes his SeaSabre new Ocean Boat for a row ahead of the NOMAN Race 2017
SeaSabre are thrilled to announce the launch of their new range of ocean rowing boats representing a new evolution in design philosophy and building on the proven shape that everyone in the sport has become familiar with over the last 20 years. Phil Morrison and Justin Adkin have worked together over the last 17 years on multiple projects and are delighted with this latest design.
This slick underwater profile, combined with the keel and fixed skeg, ensure the boat remains on track without the need for a drop keel, rudder or auto-helm (eliminating the potential for power issues experienced in by other boats). A small rudder is fitted and controlled by a footplate. All on deck equipment, including the oars, can easily be stowed out of harms way if heavy weather ensues.
Revolutionary new rudder design may look small but this setup is more effective than a other rudders and has far less friction thus slowing the boat down less.
We have opted to steer away from the ‘open class’ design (which has been the cause of some controversy amongst rowers regarding ‘catching the wind’) and have pursued the superior sea-keeping qualities of the pure class design whilst improving the speed and overall layout. Every effort has been made to reduce windage in this design as we’re using boats that are supposed to require rowing after all.
Don’t think for a second though that this makes our boats in any way slower. At ocean rowing speeds, the underwater surface area is the main element of resistance and this is where the new hull shape has been optimised with 10% less ‘wetted area’ than the traditional shape and significantly less than other open class fours boat designs. The ability to achieve record breaking speeds is in your hands.
The cabin and deck layouts have been improved, making the best use of all the available stowage areas and positioning of all equipment in the most sensible, accessible places. Everything has been streamlined to ensure simplicity and ease of maintenance when at sea.
On-board Systems
The solar and battery systems we install have a proven track record of plentiful reserves throughout a row and even on cloudy overcast days can still expect full batteries at the end of the day! The electronic systems on our boats have years of proven reliability and for peace of mind, with a small amount of tuition, all rowers can learn their set up inside out.
The rowing gear has also taken a simple, yet effective leap forward by removing the need for ball bearings in the load bearing wheels (another previous failure point). Double action seats have been around for decades in coastal rowing and we have now increased their strength by more than four times, making them robust enough to take on the oceans. This new system also has ceramic bearing lateral guides, taking the wave induced forces away from the axles. Our prototype recently completed a Pacific row without a hitch!
Finally we at SeaSabre actually build every boat ourselves and our painstaking attention to detail is evident every step of the way. Our boats represent much better value than our competitors and include life-raft, trailer, oars and many items of equipment that you would pay thousands extra for with other boat builders. Prices for ready to race boats start at £55,000 (dependent on equipment options.) Call or email us now for more information, a full price list and about what make this boat a true world beater.
