The newest eight design from Sykes Racing, the Mould 40, has had great success at the recent Championship regattas. Result Highlights - National Championship Regatta, Nagambie, VIC

Result Highlights – Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta, Geelong , VIC

The results have been extremely pleasing and confirm the Mould 40, as the number one choice for successful mid-weight crew’s around the country.

We also believe that the results validate and confirm the design methodology and computer modelling techniques used in the development of the shape. The Mould 40 has now joined the fleet of other successful Sykes boats specifically designed for schoolgirls. Mould 40The most recent design, Mould 40 was designed in 2006 to celebrate Sykes 40th year of manufacturing excellence. In its development we used an approach more accustomed to racing yachts than rowing shells.  The design team featured a research engineer specialising in hull design and finite elemental (FE) analysis, a mathematician (using a unique program than predicts wave and form drag) and our own experienced production and design staff.

Crews rowing in the Mould 40 will appreciate the following key performance advantages:

• More consistent oar handle height thanks to the boat’s levelling platform and increased boat stability.
• Decreased resistance through the water thanks to the reduced wetted surface area and decreased wave making potential.
• Protection from water entering the boat in rough conditions due to the higher saxboards.
• High clearance rigger design minimising the chance of contact with the water.

MLC Melbourne winning the Head of the Schoolgirls 1st Eights in 2010

The hull has been optimised to have the most efficient waterline at racing speed (the speed required to win a 2000m race) and a stability constraint was applied to make sure the boat was no less stable than existing successful designs.

All racing hulls ‘squat’ at racing speeds, the unique design of the Mould 40 more effectively handles this bias by taking up its most efficient waterline at racing speed.  As well as instant success, this design has won respect and acclaim from International designers working in the marine industry.

Mould 40 - Principal Dimensions: