Cool Boats: Emma Peel (Astus 20.5)

One of the coolest new boats at the Raid Extreme 2021 will be Emma Peel, a brand new Astus 20.5 sailed by James Dwyer.Australian born James Dwyer moved from sailing Moths to the Elliott 7 sportsboat and has now ordered a trimaran.

 

Why a trimaran?

I’ve always liked the idea of fast, trailerable boats that I can sail single-handed if necessary.I’ve been sailing an Elliott 7 sportsboat for the last eight years.It’s a great boat but you really need to do need two to three people on it who know what they are doing.I really love this boat and will be very sad when I have to sell it.At the same time I got bored with windward/leeward racing especially in areas I know well.Also I don’t mind doing a bit of offshore but I find it can be a bit dangerous and you have to put up with a lot of uncomfortable conditions.Having owned a number of boats I’m not really up for the idea of having to maintain a yacht especially one big enough to be comfortable at sea.As a result I’ve been looking towards raid or distance events.I understand you can sail these events in cool little classic dinghies but I wanted something faster so I could cover greater distances and explore further.A trimaran with a small cabin fit the bill for me.

 

What existing designs inspired you?I

I initially looked at the Farrier 22 design. In fact, I even joined the waiting list which was about three years at the time.The main issue for me with that boat was that it was very expensive.However, I do recognise it has some very good systems and is very manageable on and off the water.I also liked the Diam 24 especially being designed by VPLP in France.However it is a bit too full on to sail and the management of it onshore is a bit of a mission.The Astus 20.5 looked like the best set up for ease of use and could be sailed single-handed.It is also a VPLP design but is toned down a bit compared to the Diam 24.It still should be pretty quick and there is a small cabin for overnight camping if I want to. However, I’d much prefer to stay on land in a hotel or B&B!

 

Why is the boat going to be called Emma Peel?

My sports boat is called Emma Peel and I want to retain the name as I think it’s fantastic.Emma Peel is a character from a cult British 1960s TV programme called the Avengers. She was played by Diana Rigg.

 

Where will you sail?

I live in Cardiff in Wales. I expect to be sailing locally but there are a lot of very pretty areas to sail in both West and North Wales.There are many other interesting places to sail in the UK as well.I’d also like to sail in raid type events in Europe. The Netherlands in particular looks a fantastic place to sail given all the waterways.As I am Australian, I do expect to head back there at some point. Again, there are some fantastic places to sail in Australia.

 

Will I sail single-handed or with crew?

In races I will probably sail with a crew if someone is prepared to sail with me. Otherwise I’ll do it single-handed.

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Photos

I’m afraid I don’t have any photos of the boat yet as it is being built. I expect to take delivery in May and will take some photos then. The best photos are on the Astus website.Here are a photo of the real Mrs Peel and my previous 'Emma Peel' (Elliott 7 sportsboat, monohull)