Darkstar
Big dinghy thinking sets her apart.
Light displacement and hull shape combine in a boat that just goes faster as the wind increases!
Owners Jonathan and Libby McKee commissioned Ian Franklin Boat Builders to build their second Paul Bieker designed yacht, Dark Star. Their empathy with Paul’s design philosophy revolves around high performance dinghy racing.
Jonathan is an Olympic Flying Dutchman and 49er medallist - and was a mainsheet trimmer in the OneWorld America's Cup Challenge, while Paul Bieker is well known for his dominance in International 14s - his designs having won 4 world titles.
Built entirely of carbon fibre, great emphasis was placed on keeping things simple, strong and light with the result that Dark Star tips the scales at just 4,600 kgs and 1,800 kgs of that is ballast.
Water ballast is Dark Star’s secret to sailing fast, short handed. Tanks, under the side decks, each hold 900kg of water. Changing the water ballast from one side to the other takes around 45 seconds.
The narrow cord keel features a bulb and trim tab and takes her draught to 2.97m (9ft 8in). The keel protrudes through the hull into the main saloon and is anchored to the main bulkhead and mast collar.
The rigging of Dark Star's mast, a carbon fibre Farr 40 spar, is a major point of difference. To save weight, the side stays are PBO synthetic rope that terminate just above the deck. These are then lashed with Spectra around carbon fibre rods built into the hull toe rails - there are no chain plates.
The forestay is the only rod rigging used, to accommodate the headsail furling system. Rig tension is achieved via a mast jack.
A rotating prod works on a ball and socket fitting located on the bow. The prod pivots back alongside the pulpit when not in use.
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Dark Star is a very simple boat in layout, with good cruising accommodation for two couples. An owner's cabin forward of the main bulkhead has en-suite access to the head and shower. The second double cabin is aft, behind the navigation station, which is located to starboard of the companionway, while the U shaped galley is situated on the port side.
The clean, crisp interior features Douglas Fir trimmed with Mahogany against white satin lacquer.
The electrical system is all 12 volt with shore power connecting via a charger. A battery monitor continuously displays charge, draw-off and estimated hours remaining. Charging is via a high output alternator.
Dark Star features a full set of B&G instruments, a VHF radio, GPS plotter and a CD stereo system.
