Proas were all the rage back in the 60s when tacking your entire rig (shunting) was a small price to pay for the speed potential of a multihull that had the reduced wetted surface of one main hull and one stabilizing hull. As catamarans and trimarans continued to set speed records and become increasingly popular and easy to sail, it looked like the proa had gone the way of the dinosaur. Then the Harryproa Visionarry was launched in Holland. Australian Rob Denney designed the Harryproa to take advantage of the proa’s unique design parameters: low weight, because the sailing loads are concentrated in a small area; low cost, because, for this same reason, production costs are low. Low weight plus minimal wetted-surface area plus an efficient rig usually equals superior performance—as long as you can shunt. It’s simple. Release the sheet, turn the rudders 180 degrees, pull in the other sheet, and sail off in another direction. As long as you keep the main hull to windward, you’re in business. For more information log on to www.harryproa.com  B.S.