(pic lifted from S/A)
I saw Rapid Transit, the new Antrim 49 at the dock in Berkeley. I was there to attend the Pacific Cup 2010 prep seminar, and she exicited some comment among the attendees, though none of us got the class right. She is not a Classe or Open anything, I think.
Jim Antrim is also my naval architect — he is designing a new rudder for Temerity. So in some part, my boat will also be an Antrim.
Designer: Antrim Design
Builder: Berkeley Marine Center
Sweet boat!
Rapid Transit is a custom design (primarily with downwind long trips like transpac in mind). She is 49 ft, all foam-core carbon fiber, hard-chined, canting-keep monster. It is dramatically lighter than TP52’s with roughly the same sail area. She is FAST.
bob boerston there is no such things as monsters
Jim Antrim (designer) and Cree Partridge (builder) made a presentation last night at the Berkeley Yacht Club about the development and building of Rapid Transit. This is among three Antrim designs built or building at Berkeley Marine Center. Even the carbon fiber mast was built on site in Berkeley. Pretty amazing stuff is happening quietly in Berkeley.