New Trimaran

[Ron]

The Navy now has trimarans. USS Independence, recently launched down in the Gulf of Mexico. First boat of new Independence class. Maybe 50 more to come. Maximum speed is something over 50 knots. Looks like they may be going after drug traffic and pirates? No sails though -


Take a look at the foils mounted under the main hull.

[luigisante]

what an interesting looking ship.

[seicam]

Quite impressive. I found more info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Independence_(LCS-2)

[onremlop]

50 knots? Nothing compared to us on our sail last month where we did 166 knots in 9 knots of wind. It didn't seem that fast at the time, but that is what the instruments indicated. And, no Dan, Photoshop was not used - this is an actual picture. Personally, I think it was my excellent sail trim.

[trashpad]

Take a close look at the aft of the main hull. No rudders! It uses it's four water jets and thruster to steer. I also bet the foils come into play for high speed maneuvering.