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News on the first T35by John ShuttleworthThe first production Tektron 35 "Cats Away" had just been launched and the final preparations for sailing were being made as I arrived at Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. She was floating well up on her marks with the transom clear of the water. The interior was basically fitted out but none of the cushions were in and some water tanks and electrics still needed to connected up. We sailed in winds that we estimated were up to about 11 knots. Most of the time we sailed at close to wind speed with a maximum speed under Main and blade jib of 9.5 knots. There is a light genoa to be added to the sailing wardrobe like the one on the Shuttle 31 This large genoa will bring the boat speed up to equal wind speed in winds up to 15 knots apparent. The boat feels light and responsive. Any change in wind speed results in immediate acceleration. Sailing at close to wind speed means that one knot increase in wind speed results in nearly two knots increase in apparent wind. The finish on the outside of the Tektron 35 is excellent. The second one coming off the production line looks very striking with dark blue hulls. Eugene has incorporated many interesting ideas in the deck layout, and engine installation, which are all improvements as a result of sailing the earlier non production versions. The winch positions and layout of the lines all coming back to the cockpit with stoppers near the helmsman, works very well. The steering was light and very responsive. The boat tacks on a dime. The only task we had when tacking was to push the jib traveller down by hand in the light winds we had on the lake. The additional cuddies over the entrances also look good, and provide good access to the hulls. The dodger that covers the central seating in the cockpit is a good compromise. We were able to sail with this off and still retain the feel of an open bridgedeck boat - which I like. Yet there will be good shelter for the cockpit when in colder regions. Inside, all the interior is built in modules in molds, then dropped in to the hull. At this stage bulkheads have been structurally glassed in already, therefore all that remains is to bond these modules in, and then finish to the joint of the mold with headlining. 7 boats are now on order, and Eugene Tekatch is building them in groups of three. With 15 men working hard, the shop is a busy place. This is an exciting venture, and I am pleased that Eugene has taken up the challenge of producing a genuinely modern, fast and sophisticated Multihull with good accommodation. I think this boat will be in a class of it's own for many years to come. News on the second T35by John ShuttleworthOwner number two is settling in to the cruising life with his family in the Bahamas. Jeff writes "John, just dropping a line to tell you that we are enjoying the boat very much. We are in the Bahamas, hanging in Nassau for the moment before waiting for more settled weather to head on. Now that I am in my 30s, I have finally learned with the help of my kids, to slow down and do more hanging and less sailing from place to place. We actually had the drifter out the other day and found ourselves close reaching at about 5 knots in about 6-7 knots of wind. The design is great, and I expect that the size is a good compromise between big enough to be comfortable in everything and small enough to be a pleasure to handle in 99% of the stuff you sail in." Jeff adds: Did I mention that we won the Georgetown cruising regatta harbor race? on an 8 mile race we had a 7 minute margin on the next boat. Other cats were a lagoon 42 and a catana 401 (and some assorted geminis and other non-competition). We took all the canvas and 800 lbs of stores off, and ran with empty water and near empty fuel tanks. At the awards ceremony we were referred to as "that rocketship Socia". No.3 nears completion. The third Tek35 production boat. This one with striking dark blue hulls is bound for England where she will be moored in Salcombe. The boat will be sailed down to New York and then shipped to England in July.
News on third T35First in England.Hull #3 from Tek-composites in Canada was delivered to Southampton on the 18th of August 2001. Richard Stilgoe (the owner) specified dark blue hulls with white decks, and red boot top. This striking colour scheme looks very good, and the boat is an eye catcher as she lies at Saxon Wharf, Southampton, waiting for Richard to sail her to Salcombe at the end of September, where she will be based.John Shuttleworth and his wife spent an enjoyable day sailing with Richard, Checking her out on all points of sail and testing the sail wardrobe. John comments "The boat tacks thorough 80 degrees, just outpointing a similar sized monohull in the Solent. Eugene Tekatch has provided the boat with a comprehensive wardrobe, and all the sails appear to be very well cut. I had a chance to test the first Tek35 with the sailmaker on board, and our discussion has definitely been fed back into the cutting of these sails." Richard is very pleased with the boat, and some of the ideas he incorporated into his boat, are now being included in further production versions.
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