40
SVN Solovelanet Global
Interview
The world of sail boats is split in two. And so are their
rudders: while some builders, are sticking with single
rudder blades, others, feature double blades. To find
out the advantages and disadvantages of each
system, we interviewed designers Roberto Biscontini
and Umberto Felci.
Single vs double
rudder blade
A
ll Dufour models are equipped with a
single-blade rudder, while all the new
Oceanis boats designed by French de-
signers and the First Yacht 53 of which
Roberto Biscontini designed the water
lines, feature the double blade. Although no one has
preconceptions about either system, someone pre
-
fers the one and someone else favours the other, or
at least someone mainly draws the one and someo-
ne else draws the other instead.
Let's begin exploring the world of rudders by talking
to Umberto Felci of Felci Yacht Design. He is the
author, together with his team, of the latest genera
-
tions of Dufour boats as well as of other yachts, not
only standard production models.
SVN - Umberto, you designed all the Dufour models
of the new millennium, but none of them feature the
double rudder blade, an innovation that many buil-
ders have been using extensively even on cruiser
boats. Can you tell us the reasons for this choice?
U.F. - In my opinion, the double rudder blade involves
too many problems. It raises the complexity level of
the boat and increases construction and maintenan-
ce costs. All this, again in my opinion, is not justified
by the performance advantages it offers.
by
Maurizio
Anzillotti
Umberto Felci
Felci Yacht Design
