How does the IOM PIKANTO differ from TOPIKO?
A After four seasons use of TOPIKO and the opportunity to hear from other users and builders about the boat it seemed possible that some small changes to the hull would be useful and without any serious detrimental side effects. The bow has been made slightly higher and wider at deck level thus introducing more flare forward. Emerging chines have been added over the last 200 mm or so of the hull’s length. I have not used these on an IOM hull since RED WINE although they have featured on some of my Marbleheads. Both features should help in high speed sailing, especially downwind where more confidence that the boat will not nose dive in gusts would be useful. TOPIKO has been excellent in light airs and it is unlikely the extra drag from the chines and slightly immersed transom at low speeds and heel angles will change that significantly. With no other changes we anticipate the boat will be finished with the foils and ballast in the same place as for TOPIKO and that performance will be mu
