Here's somthing I just ran across as I was looking for more material for my other motorsailer discussion. I'm surprised it never got any significant mention on these forums. Perhaps this 'new fuel world' will have a few more yachtsmen looking at this concept. A motor yacht with an auxillary sailing rig, the yacht Clasship I really felt that she is more motor-yacht with a sailing rig than what I normally refer to as a motorsailer. As such I thought she deserved to be in the general yachting discussions rather than in the sailing yacht discussions.
Interesting find Brian. I like her original style better (picture) but understand that she is now better off for chartering. I found a very interesting read about her, where the owner is describing the refits and running costs so a future owner should know what is involved with having a boat like this. Clasship I Hrvatska - JamesList.com
Converted Grand Banks The current issue of Soundings has a article on a 1966 Grand Banks 36 that had a ketch rig added. The owners transit with one engine running and report substantial fuel savings, plus report the overall ride feels remarkably "normal". They did add 7 inches to the keel an extend the rudders 14 inches to address . Quoting the article ".. the boat cruises as if it were designed for the modification and was only waiting for someone o figure it out". It certainly is an out-of-the-box concept, but appears to be well executed. I couldn't find anything online, although I imagine stuff will appear eventually. Certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but seems to embody the 20/80 (or is it 80/20) tradeoff.
Thanks for sharing this, Brian. Given her origins, she turned out OK in the looks department, though I agree with Lars that the F/B additions detract from her lines somewhat. Interesting that over 3400 sq. feet of sail still required mechanical stabs to calm her roll, in addition to the added ballast. Still, with all her freeboard, she ought to be dry in a seaway, and quite roomy below.