Curved Air

 ”Curved Air” is an inboard version of the very popular Hunter Impala 28 OOD sailng yacht.
We race Curved Air in and around the Solent and also enjoy cruising in this area.

The initial design for the IMPALA evolved as a direct result of the formation, in 1977,  of the Offshore One Design Council which was set up by a group of leading yachtsmen to encourage One Design racing.

There were thirty designs submitted, including the IMPALA, of which three were given the support of the council. The first National Championship was held in Cowes in 1979 and was won by David Thomas, the designer. He won the final race despite losing his mast on the final leg. The fallen spar crossed the line before the boat!

The event has been held every year since. The class rules have changed surprisingly little since the class was formed. The first main change was brought about by the change in the I.O.R. resulting in a rating increase. David Thomas designed a lead shoe for the keel and some internal ballast which had the desired effect on the rating. Most other changes were to make the rules more rational without altering the meaning too much. One change to follow progress was the allowance of Mylar No 1 genoas. 1988 saw the introduction of the inboard diesel. This has helped bring the class up to date. The engine adopted was the YANMAR 1GM (9 hp), (see rules). In 1989 the blade no 3was adopted along with some other minor changes. The following year saw a full width main sheet traveller, and 250 lbs of lead added to the outboard to standardize both inboard and outboard C.H.S. ratings. Since then, the class has seen full hoist No 2′s, a new rudder and a lift on any restrictions on sailcloth.

Impalas have appeared in the boating press many times since 1979.

For more information visit the Impala 28 Forum