GRAY WOLF is a state-of-the-art wooden boat with strong influences from classic American work boats and yachts. Designed by Rodger Martin and built by Lyman-Morse she is intended for a wide range of sailing duties from daysailing to single-handed racing.

Utilizing the latest in boatbuilding technology, she is stripped planked cedar covered with a layer of 85/l 5 fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin. A combination of laminated frames and carbon fiber combine to make her a very strong, light weight boat.

For exciting performance and shorthanded sailing an unstayed carbon fiber rig by Composite Engineering was selected. With all lines led to the cockpit, this powerful rig will be easy to handle as an offshore racer or for a daysail. Water ballast is used for both comfort daysailing and to allow more power from the rig. The 7 ft. bowsprit flies asym-metrical spinnakers with a drifter set on a removable furling drum. The normal headstay sets 150% and 120% genoas and the removable inner stay sets a hanked staysail to cover the upper end of the wind range. Outer headsails are attached to a strap around the bowsprit and hauled out to the end by a tackline running inside the sprit. The mast is unstayed, but uses running back-stays for luff and tension of the jibs which was deemed to be much simpler than a 3-spreader rig initially envisioned. Given the owner’s objectives of aesthetics, speed and appropriate materials, this rig covers a wide range of conditions and types of sailing.

The deck plan layout combines the needs of dayracing and reasonable accommodations for offshore passages and cruising. Accommodations are simple and light, with plenty of space between the ballast tanks. The saloon table contains the engine, with a seat over the saildrive for chatting to the navigator or cook. A substantial bulkhead at the forward end of the saloon supports the mast and opens to the head, hanging locker and forward berth. The absence of shrouds make for clear decks and safe movement about the boat.

The hull form is powerful with easy sections; a fine entry for penetrating waves and a broad, fair run aft. The keel has a steel fin with all the lead ballast in the bulb. The rudder is well aft and deep with a carbon stock. A Yanmar diesel provides auxiliary power.

With a number of custom cruising accommodation plans already under consideration, this soon to be classic 40 footer, available in wood or glass, will appeal to the sailing enthusiast who values speed and comfort.