OUTSTAR 48 – Sea Trials1/29
Video: Strong breeze, 6 BFT
During the first sail trial on 15 September 2019 in the Bay of Gdansk, the OUTSTAR 48 showed its great potential, far exceeding that of a world cruiser. The focus was not on the sail trim, since the kicker, backstay tensioner and outhaul were not yet ready; the rear hydraulics were still to be fitted. It was more important for us to carry out a sea trial before the winter set in.
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Video: Gentle breeze, 3 BFT
During the second sail test on 20 September 2019 in the Bay of Gdansk, the OUTSTAR 48 showed its great potential in light breezes, with 8.2 kn close to the wind. The benefits of a lightweight, carbon design. The weighed sailing weight was 12.7 t excluding the crew. 1.6 t of ballast had already been added in the boat to account for the missing interior and systems. We expect the final unloaded weight to be 12.8 t.
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The ultra-modern underwater hull
sails on the side keel edge with the smallest possible wetted surface. Those who like a little more adventure can really cut loose. The sensitive dual rudder will always keep the OUTSTAR on track. Extremely good-natured, easy to steer and always in balance. There was never any tendency towards the sun and our experienced helmsman Christian Heermann was delighted.
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The targa of the OUTSTAR 48
offers safety and protection from the weather as well as ensuring a clear view at all times. The sail and windex are always in view through three windows in the solar roof of the targa. The main sheet is protected as it runs through the bar on the targa to the end of the boom and then runs back deflected at 2:1. We did not miss having a traveller; the boom could always be positioned in the centre of the boat with the sheet when sailing close to the wind.
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Single-handed sailing is easy
with the OUTSTAR 48. The main sheet is always close to hand on the winch island between the two helms. The new sheet routing of the self-tacking jib can always be operated easily from the stern side of windward. Even reefing is possible from the cockpit, since the four lines of the two reefs are routed directly into the cockpit.
OUTSTAR 48 – EXTERIOR6/29
The flush deck
in front of the mast is unusually large for a boat of this class. This looks elegant and uncluttered, of course, but it also brings two enormous advantages: the panorama view from the salon and the long rail of the selftacking jib, reaching right to the coaming. A more effective deck sweeper would be hard to find.
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Length means speed
and the deck view shows this to great effect. With a water line of almost 14m, the OUTSTAR 48 looks slender and speedy. We decided to do without the bulging out required to accommodate a couple more cabins, with their added weight. Only one thing counts on longer trips: to be faster than the weather, and let others take care of the furniture transport.
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Efficient and ergonomic
control is only possible from the windward side, hence the two helms. Between them lies the main sheet, centrally located and within easy reach. Thanks to the short distance between the boom and the targa bar, there is no need for a traveller. The kicker keeps the boom at the right height, hydraulically. The two winches at the stern also guide the jib from the windward side.
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The living space
in the OUTSTAR 48 is the cockpit, which is protected and rope-free. The corner seating keeps the companionway clear and offers an expansiveness that is usually found only on much larger boats. A hardtop at the tiller protects against sun and rain. It also supports the Bimini. When the sun shines, the hardtop generates 480 watts of power.
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The small crew
is our main focus. The crew needs a lightweight boat that is easy to handle, which means carbon. This is a great help, not only during mooring. It also reduces the sail area and the draught. With little resistance and tilt, high performance is offered only by a sail that falls downwards. Hence the Vboom, since this simply catches the sail.
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The interior
has a timeless, linear design with a bright, modern look. The panorama view of the surroundings is the highlight here. Hatches and windows can be shaded. The seating offers space for up to six people and a comfortable bed size of 210 x 140 cm. The nav station allows eye contact with the helmsman and provides space for A2-size maps.
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A large galley
makes everyday life much easier. Along its length of 335 cm you’ll find plenty of storage space plus a double fridge and freezer. The induction hob cooks five times faster than gas, even at a tilt. The washing machine with integrated drier gives you independence. Storage is ergonomically organised in pull-out units that close automatically.
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Long sailing trips without compromise
in the OUTSTAR 48 are guaranteed thanks to air-conditioned sleep in a large and comfortable bed with a spring core mattress. A genuine, rectangular width of 160 cm. In the cupboards and under the fold-up bed there is generous storage space for long journeys. You will find no sailing equipment or machinery stored here.
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The guests
reside in an open section in the stern, on the port side. There they enjoy full standing height and enough air-conditioned air to breathe, and sleep in two comfortable bunk beds. Access to the engine compartment is via the cockpit. This guarantees optimum insulation against noise and odours.
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In the large bathroom
you have space to shower without bumping into things. And at a leisurely pace, since the two engines deliver 100 litres of hot water. Those who prefer to shower outdoors can do so, also on the bathing platform. The toilet is flush, like the deck, leaving no corners for dirt to collect. A toilet with washbasin can be integrated in the forecastle, if desired.
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After six months of construction
the hull and deck are laminated together and the form of the OUTSTAR 48 is just as impressive in reality as on paper. The hull, deck, superstructure, bulkheads and stringers are made of carbon sandwiched with high strength foam. Super light, yet sturdy and torsion resistant at the same time. Here, the doors close properly – even with a tensioned backstay.
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The exceptional cockpit
is one of the most impressive features when you step onto the OUTSTAR. Generously proportioned, yet as secure as a centre cockpit, since the gunwale and the high backrest protect against wind and waves. The transparent wind deflector replaces the sliding hatch and can also be set up as a sprayhood, in a single movement.
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Such a large dinghy garage
with lengthwise orientation is usually found only on significantly larger boats and is one of the main features of the OUTSTAR 48. The Highfield floorboard RIB (260 x 153 x 75 cm) is pulled in using an electric winch. The hydraulic bathing platform can be lowered into the water by remote control for retraction.
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Firm anchorage
is one of the most important aspects on any long trip. The stainless-steel fitting, integrated in the carbon bowsprit, holds the 33 kg ROCNA anchor securely. Driven by a 24 V Lewmar V5 anchor winch, the 10 mm thick and 100 m long stainless-steel chain guarantees safe anchoring even in difficult conditions.
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The equipment room
houses not only the 39 HP YANMAR engines with their saildrives, but also most of the OUTSTAR’s technical equipment. The charging devices, inverter, watermaker, hydraulic pack, hot water boiler, air-conditioning system, auxiliary heating, diesel filter, water filter and much more besides are all accommodated in the equipment room and not in the cupboards and seats in the living areas.
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After 12 months of construction
preparations for launching the OUTSTAR in Gdansk begin. The painting process, with RAL 5008 Grey blue, is finished except for the decorative stripes. The modern underwater hull is easily recognisable. The keel is already connected to the hull with a positive-fit and bolted in place. It has also been laminated in an additional process.
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On 24 August 2019
the OUTSTAR is launched in Gdansk. The crane gives a reading of 10 t, which means that it is well within the target weight limit. The bow still sits high in the water, as the interior is not fitted out yet. We are expecting to add another tonne in total, which means that we will be able to remain below the specified 11.4 t.
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The first motoring trip
goes ahead with Antoni at the helm. The boat, with its dual rudder, is moved speedily along by the two 39 PS Yanmar saildrives. With 2 x 2000 rpm, the OUTSTAR 48 cruises through the water at 7.5 kn. With the rudder turned and the engines running in opposite directions, the boat turns a tight circle around the keel like a catamaran.
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The view from the top of the mast
shows the clear and fast lines of the OUTSTAR. The Vboom is not mounted yet. The cockpit bench, measuring 210 cm, emphasises the extraordinary size of the cockpit. Thanks to three windows in the solar Bimini (480 W), the helmsman always has a clear view of the sails. Later the main sheet will run through the chute in the targa to the block at the end of the boom and back to the fixed point.
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The helm area for the small crew
offers plenty of space at the two helms and at the edge. At the winch island, the main sheet lies within easy reach between the carbon wheels. The new sheet guide system allows the sheet of the self-tacking jib to be trimmed simultaneously using both the BB and STB winches.
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The rail of the self-tacking jib
lies directly in front of the mast, with scarcely any upstand, and reaches from coaming to coaming. The deflection guides on both sides for guiding the ends of the jib sheet (2:1) towards the stern have not yet been installed. The windows in the superstructure are made of 16 mm laminated safety glass.
OUTSTAR 48 – ENGINEERING27/29
The criteria for the design
of the OUTSTAR were manageability, speed and low draught. Only a construction with 100 % carbon could achieve this with the robustness needed for long trips. The success of the design is demonstrated by the sail area/displacement ratio (Segeltragzahl) of 5.12, an unusual feat for a world cruiser. But the lightweight construction in the interior also plays a part here.
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The sails
are a classic combination of battened mainsail and jib. The jib track sits directly in front of the mast and extends to the coaming. Self-tacking doesn’t get better than this. A double headsail is used in front of the jib on the second hydraulic furler. Rolled in on one side, it almost replaces the code zero. In a light wind, the flat cut gennaker is used.
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The equipment
includes a two-engine concept which safeguards against failure, spares the bow thruster and, thanks to two 24-V generators, also dispenses with the diesel otherwise needed for electricity. The service batteries lie 80 % below the water line and supply the OUTSTAR with 230 V/4 kW via an inverter. The solar collector on the hardtop generates 480 Wh.