Project Phoenix started out of a frustration with the disappointing results achieved with Moondog of Jersey the ex quarter tonner. Given Moondog's extreme IOR style the CHS and IRC rules seemed to give a rating that was difficult to race to.

The search then started for a hull design to make use of Moondog's sails and fittings. A number of designers were approached however given the cost of a one off design the discovery of Dudley Dix's stock designs on the web seems to give an appropriate solution.

Light weight, similar rig, sportsboat style with asymmetric downwind sails, allied to a lifting keel all seemed appropriate for our type of sailing and build budget.

The hope with the Didi 26 design is for fun sailing at much greater speed than the quarter tonner gives. Whether we achieve any better race results remains to be seen! The lifting keel will also make launching and recovery once a year a real low budget affair, not to mention ease of midseason scrub.

Building started in March 2004 after the arrival of all the timber. The hope is to have the new design racing in 2005. I will update the story as the build progresses and will keep a log of time spent and expenditure. This could be a route for others with modern sails on old quarter tonner hulls to get some fun back by building an inexpensive new hull.