Isle of Wight based yacht designer Christian Stimson has produced a new 28 CHS sportboat. Intended to fall within the new RYA/RORC Sportsboat Rule (SBR), the eflex 28 is developed from his very successful B28 design currently in production in the Caribbean. B28's recently scored 1st & 2nd Sportboat at Antigua Race Week '96 and 2nd & 4th at the olex Cup in St.Thomas - helmed by Peter Newlands (GBR) and Peter Holmberg (USVI)

Although definitely a Sportboat, Stimson has kept an eye on rating with regard to the Reflex 28's rig proportions and hull overhangs, which also makes for a balanced performance profile under PHRF. The rudder, originally transom hung on the B28, is counter hung on the Reflex and the carbon fibre double spreader aft-swept rig has no runners and by adopting a 9/10ths rig has a short topmast to fly masthead spinnakers without the need for jumpers. The rating benefits from the both the absence of jumpers and the near masthead configuration, as does the performance from reduced weight and windage aloft.

The hull is developed from the B28's lines. She weighs in at under 1,300Kg (2,870lbs) with planing chines aft, and has 550Kg (1215lbs) wof ballast bulb on a composite keel fin that sockets into the hull. Both the B28 design and its development into the Reflex 28, have been carried out entirely on computer using 3-D modelling, VPP rating/ performance optimisation, and CFD (computational flow dynamics) simulations for keel & bulb design were employed for further refining the obviously successful B28.

Light displacement, high righting moment and high sail area characterise this design. While offwind speeds are high, as expected, many were surprised by the B28's upwind pace and pointing ability, taking out J35's in over 15 knots true wind for example. A high degree of controlability allow the crew to push hard and maintain high average speeds around the course, rather than occasional bursts of speed. With a beam within legal towing limits, an easily demountable keel and low axle-weight you can expect to see this boat flying up the freeway as well as up the beat.

Tooling is well underway at Harley Raceboats in Cowes, with the London Boatshow being the debut for the works boat, and negotiations are progressing regarding US licenced builders beginning production in early 1997, with Custom Yachts International of Annapolis, MD, representing Stimson Yacht Design in the US.