It could be said that an upside-down trimaran is still more comfortable than a monohull the right way up!

This was an interesting topic of conversation during some recently conducted capsize and righting tests on a Haines Hunter Tramp, in Brisbane. The spacious decks and wide-beam stability were certainly still there, one could bring out the deck chair and lounge about, or even indulge in a spot of fishing. Sailing performance wasn't too great though, with just a low-set solid-wing sail available (rudder blade) and a somewhat inefficient underwater shape. So, it was decided that the tri was probably better off the right way up, after all.

The idea of righting the tri, using the patented Farrier folding system, first started when it was developed and incorporated into the Trailertri desiqns, (now also on the fiber glass production Tramp). Having solved trailering or marina docking problems, it also had possibilities for providing the answer to the capsize problem. Until recently, however, there hadn't been any time available for such experiments, and since no Trailertri or Tramp has ever capsized, there wasn't any urgency for a practical solution. But, with the number of capsizes of other designs (usually over-rigged racers), the need for some positive developments was well overdue.

Consequently, my own Haines Hunter Tramp, Flying Fox, was stripped out and readied for her first 'ducking.' Mast and rig were removed for initial tests due to the lack of suffiently deep water in nearby Moreton Bay, but future tests will, eventually, include the full rig. By using the folding system, capsizing should have been easy. Flying Fox was folded up but, surprisingly, it took six of us on one side to achieve complete inversion. The boat still wanted to self-right, up to an 80' heel angle.

Once over, the floats unexpectedly unfolded by themselves, the outrigger retaining pins having fallen out due to gravity. The first step was to bolt her together to simulate a normal capsize situation, and find out how hard it would be to unbolt and fold, while inverted. This proved simple; the eight beam bolts are accessible and easily operated while in the water, from alongside the hull - no diving is necessary. However, a spanner with a rope lanyard attached to prevent loss, is essential.

Then, we discovered just how comfortable a tri can be while inverted. It was just like a big raft; moving around was very easy, and even the chop running at the time created no problems. This was certainly a far safer situation than the four capsizes of monohull trailer yachts I had witnessed over the years, with the crew helplessly clinging alongside. Some righting ropes to the windward float were rigged up and the beams unbolted. Folding was just as easy as while right way up; the outriggers actually folded themselves the moment someone stood on the wing nets. This achieved, the retaining pins were inserted, and the leeward ama hatch was removed to allow flooding while two of us stayed on it to await what would develop.

As it sank lower, we tried to use our weight to assist rotation, but it was soon obvious that two wouldn't be enough. There was too much air still trapped inside the float. We didn't want to start drilling holes, so a third crewmember was added and success... over she came, completely upright, surprisingly high and stable. The outrigger retaining pins dropped out on their own again, and she virtually unfolded herself, ready for bailing. After an hour the tri was completely dry and seaworthy once again.

Obviously, the trick was to get most of the air out of the leeward ama, preferably without having to hole it. Some further investigation has shown that a simple tube, kept inside the float, can be used to allow any air to escape through the hatch. Such a tube will be fitted for the next test and this, I believe, will make it possible for just two... perhaps even one crew­member, to right a capsized Tramp without any outside assistance whatso­ever. There is no need for any water bags, special pole or derrick systems; the only pieces of equipment required are a spanner and some ropes.

The righting motion (once the 90' stage is reached) is quite strong and could be enough to overcome the weight of mast and sails as well. Future tests will establish whether this is so. However, if not, the spar is easily dropped by releasing the forestay and pulling the mast back into its normal trailering position. With bigger offshore designs like the Command 10 (33') the stick may have to be dropped off and be left hanging from the leeward float, to assist rota­tion. Nonetheless, a righted boat without mast is still infinitely better than a fully-rigged capsiz­ed one. It is certainly preferable to having to wait helplessly for rescue.

Sea conditions do not seem a problem and, in fact, the rougher the better, for the waves give the windward float a 'kick up' to start the right­ing rotation.

In summary: now the patented Farrier folding system not only facilitates easy trailering or marina docking, but can also offer a built-in righting method, operated by the crew without assistance - and with only minimal equipment needed.

And Flying Fox? After a good wash, inside and out, the tri was put back together in time to easily take line honors in the multihull division of this year's Marlay Point Race (Australia's largest trailerable-yacht race - 559 entries) even though she was one of the smallest multihulls competing.

Credits: Multihulls Magazine May/June 1983