Abstract

The evolution of hull forms has been a remarkable journey, shaped by centuries of innovation, scientific exploration, and technological breakthroughs. From the earliest primitive dugout canoes to today’s cutting-edge hydrofoilers, the design of hulls has continuously evolved to meet the demands such are speed, stability, and efficiency. This transformation has been driven in smaller or larger scale by many factors that occurred over our history, but could be group in few key ones: the emergence of hydrodynamics as a scientific field, the advancements in building materials and technologies, the revolutionary shift from sail to engines, and among the latest the introduction of modern design tools.

A lobsterman hauling traps in a rough seas - photo from Classic Yacht Association WEB

In our recent discussion on the revival of wood in yacht building, we explored how this traditional material is once again finding their place in modern maritime design. Wood, long respected for its beauty, resilience, and flexibility, is increasingly valued by contemporary builders, designers, and owners looking for sustainable and aesthetically compelling solutions. Now, let's delve deeper into cold-moulded construction—a unique wooden construction technique with roots in World War II aviation—that has seen a renaissance in boatbuilding for reasons both practical and philosophical.

Since the earliest days of civilization, wood has been the primary material for boatbuilding. From the reed boats of ancient Egypt to the advanced sailing ships of the Age of Exploration, wood served as the backbone of naval architecture, shaping history and connecting cultures across vast oceans. Over centuries, master builders perfected wooden boat construction, creating vessels of beauty, strength, and remarkable seaworthiness. However, as technology progressed, wood lost its dominance to materials like steel, fiberglass and aluminium, chosen for their cost-effectiveness and efficiency in mass production. Yet, I noticed that in recent years, wood has returned to the mainstream of sailing yacht construction, blending the advantages of traditional craftsmanship with the latest advancements in engineering and materials.

Hello, I’m Robin, naval architect and CEO of FLYMAR. This story is one that begins with a love for sailing and a fascination with wooden yachts, especially the iconic Flying Dutchman (FD) class. Three decades of sailing, of which one decade with my brother in the FD was a journey filled with adventure and challenge, but also moments of revelation that would shape my understanding of boatbuilding and design in profound ways. When we eventually took some time off and sold our last FD, I made myself a promise: one day, I would return to the class with a wooden FD. But it wouldn’t be just any wooden FD!