Design

Background

Thompson 7

Class Rules

Boat Stages

Prices
 
Steve Thompson has drawn from the massive amount of research poured into America's Cup design.  A Thompson 7 differs from the almost universal sportsboat philosophy by concentrating on the hull's upwind potential rather than the early downwind flattish wedge planing shape.  Subtleties in the deep forefoot, narrow waterlines and fine after sections have produced fast, low drag lines with an easy motion through waves.  Thompson's theory is that a solid upwind performer will always get to the top mark in great shape, ahead of mixed fleet traffic where other 7 metre boats are trapped.  Downwind speed is assured by a powerful sail plan and light overall weight. T7acco.gif (6538 bytes)
Class rules limit total crew weight and dictate a "legs in" position.  This combines with an exceptionally large cockpit to ensure crew are positioned well for weight distribution and frantic mark roundings.
DECK       NEW...NEW...NEW

For 2003/2004 our "on water designers" have refined the GRAND PRIX theme even more!  Not only is every control fitting justified in terms of strength and accessibility, now control systems are routed to avoid clutter and complexity.  Our 2003/2004 Grand Prix boasts innovations

  • Coarse & fin tune mainsheet system
  • Internally routed mainsheet traveller purchases led to angled control box cleats
  • "Suckaways" to kite halyard and tack lines

RIG

The rig design parameters are:

  • Lightweight
  • Reliability
  • Adjustable and tuneable

To achieve the lightweight aim with reliability, a mandril spun formed tapered carbon fibre tube is used, supported by sharply swept back double spreaders / masthead jumpers and dyeformed discontinuous rigging.  There is no backstay.  Mainsail control is dinghy style - powerful cunningham and vang combine with auto depowering flexible mast tip.

FOIL

The design concept follows the "upwind" theme, using NASA high lift sections.  Centreboard and rudder are carbon fibre reinforced female moulded units  with 350kg of encased lead, giving a 50% ballast ratio.

INTERIOR

Complies with ISAF "Blue Book" rules for trailer yacht headroom and functional bunks.  The finish is neat low maintenance gelcoat and multifleck.  Three watertight tanks provide enough buoyancy to support a flooded, fully rigged boat.

TRAILER

The hot dipped galvanised trailer is custom built for the Thompson 7.  Features include oversized support cradles, supple independent susframe1, over-ride disc brakes, mast support and extendable draw bar for launching.  Towing weight is approximately 1000 kg, and the whole rig trails well at any legal speed.