Specification

Standard specification from 1st September 1979.

Part 1.

Hull/Deck Unit.
The hull is a one piece GRP moulding of exceptional strength for the size of craft. Only Lloyds approved materials are used. The weight of glass fibre used in the basic construction ranges from 9.6 oz/sq.ft in the topsides increasing to 25 oz/sq.ft at the keel. Over almost the entire hull two layers of woven glass fibre rovings totalling 5.4 oz/sq.ft are included in the construction giving immense strength with minimum weight. The GRP keel is further massively reinforced by the lower part of the accomodation moulding which forms the top skin of a sandwich: the filling consisting of a resin/glass mix, and in this area the keel is upwards of 2 1/2 inches thick.

To concentrate the ballast keel weight as low as possible the GRP keel is carried 24 inches below the waterline, at which point the ballast keel is secured. The resulting bilge provides considerable stowage space. The GRP accomodation moulding extends to the bow and almost to the stern to add further strength and rigidity.

The construction of the deck moulding is basically the same as the hull except that the main area of the horizontal surfaces are of end grain balsa construction to increase rigidity and strength and to reduce condensation. Anit-slip surfaces are moulded into the deck and cockpit surfaces. GRP hatch covers are moulded for the various lockers, the sliding mainhatch and the forehatch. The mainhatch slides into a storm cover.

Two pigmented gelcoats of isophthalic polyester resin are applied and the layup resin is unfilled and unpigmented to ensure thorough impregnation of the glass fibres. Standard hull colours are light blue or white. Standard deck colours are mist grey or cream.

After bedding onto an adhesive base, the deck is riveted to the hull then the two units are joined internally with fibre-glass. At this time the lifeline stanchion bases are bonded into the hull deck joint after having been carefully jigged into position.

Ballast Keel (Single Fin).
The hydrofoil cast iron keel carries most of its weight of 1314 lb. in a bulb section at its base. It is secured to the hull by four 1 in. diameter studs, two of which pass through a wide 3/4 in. steel plate; the aft end of this plate is formed into a lifting eye to enable the yacht to be craned.

Ballast Keel (Triple Fin).
The ballast central fin is reduced in depth by 9 in. and its weight is 1140 lbs. It has a longer base to allow the yacht to take the ground safely. The two side fins weigh approx. 100 lbs. each and are angled outwards such that the leeward keel gains maximum efficiency when the yacht is heeled to approximately 20 degrees: the bilge keels are of hydrofoil section and make a most valuable contribution to the remarkable windward ability of these craft. As with the Fin Keel Achilles the 1 in. bolts pass through a 3/4 in. thick steel plate/lifting eye.

Rudder, Skeg and Tiller.
Both rudder and skeg are glass fibre mouldings. The rudder is solid with a balsa core while the skeg fairing is carried by a galvanised rectangular steel tube to give massive support to the skeg. The rudder post is of stainless steel locked internally to the rudder moulding by welded on lugs. Rudder bearings are also of stainless steel. The teak tiller is fitted to a heavy duty tiller head that is secured to the squared end of the rudder post.

Accommodation.
Four berths provide two 6ft. 6in. quarter berths in the main cabin, and vee berths with an infill cushion to convert to a double berth in the forecabin. The galley, with a GAZ double burner stove, lies between the quarter berths and the main bulkhead. Water is pumped to the galley from a flexible water tank in the forward cabin by Whale galley pump. Stowage is provided beneath both galley units. Chart table and dining table are standard.

All timber in the interior is teak veneered and the cabins are fully lined with textured beige Ambla on the cabin sides while the deckhead is lined with a most attractive veneered ply. The hull is lined throughout with an expanded vinyl material to minimise condensation.

The cushions are of 4 in. Vitafoam high density interior filling covered in textured Ambla. The cabin sole is teak veneered. A concealed chemical toilet is fitted in the forecabin. Stowage is provided under all berths and in teak fronted shelf lockers on each side of the cabins. An Ambla curtain separates the two cabins.

Part 2....

Achilles 24