The Proa's of John Pizzey, Part 2 and Part 3

John Pizzey has been relating some of his ideas on proa design on the excellent Proafile these article's follow on from Part 1.

The Proa's of John Pizzey Part 2

http://proafile.com/magazine/article/the-proas-of-john-pizzey-part-2

My introduction to modern proas, after designing, building and sailing my offshore catamarans, was aboard Tony Williams’ proa. It worked extremely well, was fast, fun and controllable but a bit complex in its rig.  However it scored with no rudders or centreboard and was steered very effectively by the sail which was set on a spar with a central boom at the end of a gantry like mast. I grew fond of that sail arrangement and endeavoured to incorporate it on one of my proas.  It could tip over to windward, believe me. I still like that arrangement and if it could be tamed for use in all conditions it is worthwhile considering.  I have looked at a combination of two smaller such sails but I see interference problems especially if caught aback.

read more here

The Proa's of John Pizzey Part 3

http://proafile.com/magazine/article/the-proas-of-john-pizzey-part-3

I started writing for Proafile because over the years I had seen several comments about this mysterious Mr. Pizzey! No mystery really, just a lack of information, so I thought I should rectify that and record my proa adventures. By the time I had finished putting pen to paper and thinking about what I was writing, my new design became clear as it had to meet the objectives I put down in writing. The design has been done conceptually and I will soon post a full description.
I have come to the conclusion that my next proa should be a flying proa, with a relatively narrow beam, with the rig laid off to leeward and with a soft headsail only and a canted central board in the float. Why?, because:

• flying proa with board centrally in float so it sits preferentially with the sails and main hull downwind;
• narrow so it lifts the float easily and minimizes everything, a bit like a monohull and one can’t question their success;
• canted board so it assists initial lift of float and enables unskilled float-up sailing;
• rig laid off to leeward so it works with the canted board and makes the boat instantly self-righting from a knockdown.
• headsail type sail only, for simplicity and at one end only for spinning boat around when caught aback, with sheet on or off.

read more here

Piawatha under sail, John Pizzey