The Doyle-powered Cayman 28 launched on Lake Balaton last week, the newest design from Mills Design is an all carbon sports-boat.
Stefano Nava of Doyle Sails international design group has worked closely on this project during conception and design studies, and together with Mark Mills has utilised the Doyle Sails Structured Luff technology to ensure load-sharing throughout the rig makes for an easily adjustable and quick-to-set-up high performance sail boat.
“It was a very enjoyable process made up of “brainstorm sessions” with Mark, Tony and the owner. That really helped nailing down the “easy performance” nature of the project, something very fun to sail with a strong sport boat attitude and easy handling.” says lead sail designer Stefano Nava “The Structured Luff technology was brought into play early on as we quickly realized how it would simplify some of the handling, for example allowing a no-runner rig set-up, without compromising the performance. The technology, thanks to the extra trimming gear that can bring to any project, allowed us to reduce the upwind sail inventory to a very simple and effective Main and Jib combo, still managing to cover efficiently the intended sailing range.”
The Cayman 28 was designed specifically for a Cayman Islands client to enjoy high-performance racing with his mates, and was launched on Hungary’s Lake Balaton by Code Yachts just in time for their largest event of the year, the Blue Riband. Described by the team after successfully completing the 96-mile race on only its second-ever outing as a ‘Gentleman’s Skiff’.
Designer Mark Mills said after the race “It was debatable whether our shake-down sail should be one of the world’s largest races, but it was beautiful. Racing down scenic Lake Balaton in company with almost 600 starters on a single start, and finishing after a nighttime battle reaching with 42 footers with Code Zeros… memorable!”
The all-carbon sportsboat features extendable racks that allow the crew to produce far more righting moments than a conventional hiking position, as well as a more comfortable seating position. In daysailing mode with the racks in it becomes a simple sporty daysailer, with the flat cockpit floor running forward to the stem to produce a more secure foredeck. With load-sharing sails by Doyle, the simple no-backstay rig is adjusted with underdeck forestay and jib tack purchases, relying on the pin-adjustable shrouds to make rig setup easy and repeatable.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.