billmacfarlane
Active member
Didn't he make a slight navigational error at Bembridge ledge and gave it a bit of a tickle ? I remember seeing the boat ashore in Cowes with a dirty great hole in the bows.
Barracuda 45, any one know this boat?
- Thread starter woody001
- Start date
alant
Active member
The 'Barracuda' in Howards Way, was a 'prototype' built as an Admirals Cup boat by Bob Fisher. This was wood, with a dagger board keel which was originally retracted with a wire onto a winch (hand)- very hard work.
I was lucky enough to skipper it as a corporate charter boat in several Cowes Weeks (Barracuda of Tarrant), eventually the keel lift winch was electrified.
Even with the very big full main, it steered easily & had no vices - twin rudders - even a small woman had no strength problems, easily steering to windward & it suprisingly did not suffer 'lee-helm'. Perfect balance.
A great classic design. Don't know what the plastic ones sail like, but great parentage.
Seen on primetime TV from a helicopter rounding the Needles, popping its shute & hitting the wreck (Harold Cudmore on board). Sank & towed into Lymington. Think it sank a few more times afterward. Was based in Haslar.
I was lucky enough to skipper it as a corporate charter boat in several Cowes Weeks (Barracuda of Tarrant), eventually the keel lift winch was electrified.
Even with the very big full main, it steered easily & had no vices - twin rudders - even a small woman had no strength problems, easily steering to windward & it suprisingly did not suffer 'lee-helm'. Perfect balance.
A great classic design. Don't know what the plastic ones sail like, but great parentage.
Seen on primetime TV from a helicopter rounding the Needles, popping its shute & hitting the wreck (Harold Cudmore on board). Sank & towed into Lymington. Think it sank a few more times afterward. Was based in Haslar.
bistag
New member
I have bough a Barracuda in November 2003 and can confirm all what has been written in this topic.
The boat was in Hamble and I sailed it back to Italy.
The first time I discovered it was leaking was when we left from Plymouth for the crossing to Spain and the forward cabin was totally soaked. I have made many changes to it since back in my country new plexy cabin windows fixed only with sikaflex and primer and no aluminum frames and no screws. I have taken out Generator and two extra batteries that were not originally in. Put in a taller Carbon mast (1 meter) with a main that has much more roach than the original.
The boat is amazing have touched 18,7 knots and have made some passages at avarage of over 12.
The problem in the Med was with little wind but the new mast sail configuration allows me to sail at 5,5 knots with 6-6,5 of wind reaching.
It is not yet totally dry but I am getting there.
I love the cookpit with the table that lifts from the bottom and it is more confortable than any other newer cookpit.
It certanly needs caring for but do not blame her if you cannot control her. She is a speedy boat and like when driving a speedy car, even if she is tender, you need to know what you are doing.
Also if you hit rocks it is not her fault but your's.
I am trying to trace other owners so if you know of anyone please send me an email. Thank you!!
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
The boat was in Hamble and I sailed it back to Italy.
The first time I discovered it was leaking was when we left from Plymouth for the crossing to Spain and the forward cabin was totally soaked. I have made many changes to it since back in my country new plexy cabin windows fixed only with sikaflex and primer and no aluminum frames and no screws. I have taken out Generator and two extra batteries that were not originally in. Put in a taller Carbon mast (1 meter) with a main that has much more roach than the original.
The boat is amazing have touched 18,7 knots and have made some passages at avarage of over 12.
The problem in the Med was with little wind but the new mast sail configuration allows me to sail at 5,5 knots with 6-6,5 of wind reaching.
It is not yet totally dry but I am getting there.
I love the cookpit with the table that lifts from the bottom and it is more confortable than any other newer cookpit.
It certanly needs caring for but do not blame her if you cannot control her. She is a speedy boat and like when driving a speedy car, even if she is tender, you need to know what you are doing.
Also if you hit rocks it is not her fault but your's.
I am trying to trace other owners so if you know of anyone please send me an email. Thank you!!
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
jamesjermain
Active member
Roy Hart took Moonboots to Iceland and Greenland. Also Norway, I believe. He still has his and by and large loves it though he wouldn't argue with anything Brian says. It was a great, if slightly flawed, design badly built by the wrong company. I sailed Bob Fisher's Barracuda of Tarrant, the cold moulded Howard's Way original, to Scotland in her first season. In the Irish Sea we did 17 knots down wind under triple reefed main only in a Force 9 - awesome until we filled the cockpit via the bows.
bistag
New member
Hello to all!
Woody001 there is one with Spanish flag and fairly priced at http://www.yesyachting.com
The boat should be in south of Spain at Almeria. It seems this boat has been made heavier by installing all sort of items and remember that ULDB must be kept light. The same had happened with mine.
Brian do you have a phone number I might be coming to the UK in the fall (probably beg Nov)and in case you are available and time permits I would’nt mind to come and meet you and Ronilda.
Jhon Claymore do you know the contacts of who owns Phantom's Wake in Fleetwood?
Brian Wright do you know the contacts of who owns the one in Oare Creek and her name?
James Jermain do you know where Barracuda of Tarrant is and who owns it and also the contacts of Roy Hart – Moonboots?
Tom Walsh all boats with double rudders blades do not steer well in port as they do not get, as the single rudder ones, propeller wash on the rudders to help. Just a little learning and you get used to it!
Woody001 there is one with Spanish flag and fairly priced at http://www.yesyachting.com
The boat should be in south of Spain at Almeria. It seems this boat has been made heavier by installing all sort of items and remember that ULDB must be kept light. The same had happened with mine.
Brian do you have a phone number I might be coming to the UK in the fall (probably beg Nov)and in case you are available and time permits I would’nt mind to come and meet you and Ronilda.
Jhon Claymore do you know the contacts of who owns Phantom's Wake in Fleetwood?
Brian Wright do you know the contacts of who owns the one in Oare Creek and her name?
James Jermain do you know where Barracuda of Tarrant is and who owns it and also the contacts of Roy Hart – Moonboots?
Tom Walsh all boats with double rudders blades do not steer well in port as they do not get, as the single rudder ones, propeller wash on the rudders to help. Just a little learning and you get used to it!
deigloria
New member
Hello everybody! I sail since 1995 in the north west of Spain, in Galicia. Mi first boat was a 18 feet, the second a 26 and the third a 31.
I´ve bought a Barracuda 45 in January 2007. She is in Galicia (NorthWest of Spain), it´s called Incommunicado, and she sailed around the world with the first english owner.
I would like to contact with anothers owners of Barracuda 45.
For example when it rains in the floor of the saloon there is water, and I don´t know where it can get in.
joseadiz@yahoo.es
PD: Sorry because my english!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
I´ve bought a Barracuda 45 in January 2007. She is in Galicia (NorthWest of Spain), it´s called Incommunicado, and she sailed around the world with the first english owner.
I would like to contact with anothers owners of Barracuda 45.
For example when it rains in the floor of the saloon there is water, and I don´t know where it can get in.
joseadiz@yahoo.es
PD: Sorry because my english!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Koeketiene
Well-known member
There's one for sale on boatshed.com (moored in Ramsgate)
We looked at her last year - don't walk away - run!
Good idea (of sorts), very badly carried out.
We looked at her last year - don't walk away - run!
Good idea (of sorts), very badly carried out.
Rob_Webb
Active member
Re: Barracuda 45, Yep I own one
[ QUOTE ]
Flexible hull, you can feel the distortion in the rear cabins as a quarter sea hits you, flat bottom so you slam like crazy unless you steer corkscrew across the waves beatingto windward.Brian
[/ QUOTE ]
Sounds worse than a Bav! Talking of which I had a good sniff around the Vision at the Auck boatshow the other week and despite high hopes (I wanted it to be OK)was duly disappointed with the quality of the interior fit. The boat the impressed me the most was the Elan Impression 434.
[ QUOTE ]
Flexible hull, you can feel the distortion in the rear cabins as a quarter sea hits you, flat bottom so you slam like crazy unless you steer corkscrew across the waves beatingto windward.Brian
[/ QUOTE ]
Sounds worse than a Bav! Talking of which I had a good sniff around the Vision at the Auck boatshow the other week and despite high hopes (I wanted it to be OK)was duly disappointed with the quality of the interior fit. The boat the impressed me the most was the Elan Impression 434.
bistag
New member
Re: Barracuda 45, Yep I own one
I do not know of other Crusing boats of the same size that can sail as fast as the Barracuda 45. I have reached 18.7 knts and know that there are others that have passed 20.
We are talking of a boat that was designed in the mid '80s and that has two washrooms and is completly set for long cruises.
Of course it has limits when trying to go into the wind /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif.
I do not know of other Crusing boats of the same size that can sail as fast as the Barracuda 45. I have reached 18.7 knts and know that there are others that have passed 20.
We are talking of a boat that was designed in the mid '80s and that has two washrooms and is completly set for long cruises.
Of course it has limits when trying to go into the wind /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif.
barracudafox
New member
Hello I am new to this site and thought I would reply to this thread,
I have owned the Barracuda of Tarrant over 8 years.
This is the original one from Howards Way, built of cedar and grp sheath. I have no trouble with flexing or leaks as I noticed others have on here.
I have completely renovated this boat since I have had it.
I used to own a production model which I found to be quite inferior to this one. I held the record for the fastest time to finish The Royal Escape race previously with the production model in 1989 and have since beaten this in my current boat.
The original is 3 tonne lighter than the production models, she is very stable off wind and have no movement in the lifting keel when extended.
I know the previous post to this was a long time ago, but would be interested to hear from others who have an interest in this model.
I have owned the Barracuda of Tarrant over 8 years.
This is the original one from Howards Way, built of cedar and grp sheath. I have no trouble with flexing or leaks as I noticed others have on here.
I have completely renovated this boat since I have had it.
I used to own a production model which I found to be quite inferior to this one. I held the record for the fastest time to finish The Royal Escape race previously with the production model in 1989 and have since beaten this in my current boat.
The original is 3 tonne lighter than the production models, she is very stable off wind and have no movement in the lifting keel when extended.
I know the previous post to this was a long time ago, but would be interested to hear from others who have an interest in this model.
moondancer
New member
[ QUOTE ]
James Jermain do you know where Barracuda of Tarrant is and who owns it and also the contacts of Roy Hart – Moonboots?
[/ QUOTE ]
Roy, I believe, owns Skeetex in Battlesbridge. A ski equipment shop.
You can find it if you google for it.
James Jermain do you know where Barracuda of Tarrant is and who owns it and also the contacts of Roy Hart – Moonboots?
[/ QUOTE ]
Roy, I believe, owns Skeetex in Battlesbridge. A ski equipment shop.
You can find it if you google for it.
alant
Active member
Original - built in ply / timber .... was famous for losing its keel more than once !! Changed owners a few times ... was featured on BBC in Howards Way .....
Photographed 'surfing' on way to Scottish Race series ............
The boat was basically the first of the light displacement high performance racers but proved a bit light and also expensive - but incredible adrenaline machines.
The above machine was in Port Solent for years .....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was lucky to skipper it on corporate charters for several Cowes weeks some years ago.
Sailed like a dream & even with a full (big) main, hard on the wind, was extremely well balanced on the wheel. Twin Rudders.
Had a drop keel, which was originally hand winched up/down(very hard work), then converted using an electric winch.
Apparently she had sunk 3 times, the most public was when just turning East at the Needles on prime time TV (Round the Island Race) with Admirals Cup skipper/manager Harold Cudmore - kite popped, sudden acceleration & BANG - dead stopped hitting the boiler debris just off the Needles. Badly holed & towed into Lymington.
Main problem on Corp Charter, was when the guests arrived. Not knowing its pedigree & too young to remember Howards Way, were a bit disconsolate when initially viewing this 'tatty' old sail boat alongside its neighbouring gleaming Bavs/Jens/Bens.
Non sailors of course!
Photographed 'surfing' on way to Scottish Race series ............
The boat was basically the first of the light displacement high performance racers but proved a bit light and also expensive - but incredible adrenaline machines.
The above machine was in Port Solent for years .....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was lucky to skipper it on corporate charters for several Cowes weeks some years ago.
Sailed like a dream & even with a full (big) main, hard on the wind, was extremely well balanced on the wheel. Twin Rudders.
Had a drop keel, which was originally hand winched up/down(very hard work), then converted using an electric winch.
Apparently she had sunk 3 times, the most public was when just turning East at the Needles on prime time TV (Round the Island Race) with Admirals Cup skipper/manager Harold Cudmore - kite popped, sudden acceleration & BANG - dead stopped hitting the boiler debris just off the Needles. Badly holed & towed into Lymington.
Main problem on Corp Charter, was when the guests arrived. Not knowing its pedigree & too young to remember Howards Way, were a bit disconsolate when initially viewing this 'tatty' old sail boat alongside its neighbouring gleaming Bavs/Jens/Bens.
Non sailors of course!
Dyflin
Active member
There's one of these in our marina in Dun Laoghiare, the staff their told me the owner had all but abandoned it as he had lost interest. Might be a bargain if anyone is looking for one?
alant
Active member
what a prat!
Whoops, done a double!
Next time I'll check the thread, date, etc.
What a prat! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Whoops, done a double!
Next time I'll check the thread, date, etc.
What a prat! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Pete7
Well-known member
[ QUOTE ]
and agree that it is only worth about 5k, mainly down to the amount of work it needs.
[/ QUOTE ]
Really /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif it's up for £67k here:
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/14515980-ELEPHANT-BOATYARD-BARRACUDA.html
But what a shame /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
and agree that it is only worth about 5k, mainly down to the amount of work it needs.
[/ QUOTE ]
Really /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif it's up for £67k here:
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/14515980-ELEPHANT-BOATYARD-BARRACUDA.html
But what a shame /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
wyse
New member
When I first looked at it, must be a year ago it was 85k. I am very surprised it is with Elephant at 67k, however value is what someone is prepared to pay and I wish the owner my very best in getting his price. Barracudas were a bit of a forerunner to the Open 60's in a way, but barracudas do not go upwind well and from my investigations when I was looking at this one, my insurers told me that one (Plastic version) was wrecked (total loss) off Fecamp about 10 years ago when trying to cope with a sudden wind change that put it on a lee shore that other boats would have coped with and did at the time. Engine could not cope, thus I advise any potential purchasers of a barracuda to look at engine size carefully. The insurance quote I got for it was around treble that of my Feeling. I can well see that downwind these boats are very quick and can go where others cannot with a lifting keel, but wind direction will play a huge part in sailing them comfortably and being a long distance cruiser then I would say that it is not for me, or others like me. Fast day racing, yes. But at 67k I think that a First 40 - 42 is better value, but hey, this is only my opinion and The BoT is also in very, very poor condition.
chazxxx1
New member
i know the exact boat that was on the show, my dads friend knows it
the 1 with the polar bear and the little girl on it
the 1 with the polar bear and the little girl on it
Seabound
New member
Yes, I have sailed her out of Lymington when I was an RYA instructor. Very worn out and sailed badly to wind. I think much of the design had to consider camera positions !! If you get involved and buy please make contact. Do you have any of the DVD's of the series? Keith
Cantata
Well-known member
I've been wondering who bought the one that was in for sale in Ramsgate for 'years', called 'White Spirit'.
I did go and look her over and for half the asking price (£80K IIRC) I would have bought her. Unfortunately that was not an option.
I did go and look her over and for half the asking price (£80K IIRC) I would have bought her. Unfortunately that was not an option.
brianhumber
New member
Still have mine after 13 years and would not sell her to anybody for any money.
Yes it took a long time to get her dry inside but if you set the rigging up right and sail her accordingly you can match and still beat most on the water towards and off wind. After that you can lift the keel and tuck yourself away where others cannot go. Dead easy to sail fast with mates or just jolly around with the wife.
The only comment I do not understand is the one that says they will not steer astern and you need a bowthurster. I find going astern I have total control once you have flow over the rudders and find absolutely no need for a bowthruster to maintain control and station.
They do need looking after perhaps more than most and reading the rest of the posts since 2005 lack of effort in repairs seems to be a common theme.
Brian
Yes it took a long time to get her dry inside but if you set the rigging up right and sail her accordingly you can match and still beat most on the water towards and off wind. After that you can lift the keel and tuck yourself away where others cannot go. Dead easy to sail fast with mates or just jolly around with the wife.
The only comment I do not understand is the one that says they will not steer astern and you need a bowthurster. I find going astern I have total control once you have flow over the rudders and find absolutely no need for a bowthruster to maintain control and station.
They do need looking after perhaps more than most and reading the rest of the posts since 2005 lack of effort in repairs seems to be a common theme.
Brian
