The construction comes from the French Thomas Tison and is quite remarkable. The extremely flat, almost rectangular scow bow is particularly noticeable. There are also plenty of hull attachments: V-shaped foils on the sides, a tilting keel with a deflection of 45 degrees on each side, plus a sword that can also be pulled up for more lateral surface on the wind. The single rudder with T-foils is attached to an extension at the stern and at a distance from the boat, similar to the Foiling Moth. The profile depth of the so-called "elevator" can be adjusted from the cockpit - everything is exciting and very unusual; to date still unique in the Mini 6.50 class in terms of shape and design.
Flat bottom and lots of hull attachments: the new Mini 6.50 from Thomas Tison, built at the Knierim shipyard in Kiel
The innovative project is being implemented in the high-tech forge from Knierim Yachtbau in Kiel. The boat consists entirely of a carbon fiber sandwich construction with prepreg laminates and a core made of Nomex honeycomb structure. Designer Thomas Tison calculated the weights at 200 grams per square meter for the inner layers and 400 grams per square meter for the outside of the fuselage, which is light as a feather. In addition, of course, there are fully laminated carbon fiber reinforcements in the area of the fuselage attachments, especially when anchoring the foils. Incidentally, the two side wings can be completely lifted up in order to avoid the additional resistance in the water when there is little wind.
Exciting shapes: flat at the front, flat at the bottom
According to the designer, the ocean dwarf should fit into the current regulations for the prototypes of the Mini 6.50 class. Participation in the Mini-Transat 2021 and in the qualifying regattas in advance is planned. It is still unclear who will be the skipper of the promising Mini 6.50 from Knierim. It cannot be ruled out that a sailor from Germany could take over the ship, said Knierim managing director and project manager Steffen Müller. The shipyard is currently examining possible candidates.
A few days ago the finished hull was subjected to a tow test. The boat lifted off quickly on the wings and immediately went into an astonishingly stable flight phase, commented Müller. He describes the tests as extremely successful. The carbon fiber rig is also already built and is ready to be placed. The first tests under sail will therefore possibly be able to take place in the coming weeks. In any case, one can look forward to the first experiences.