Boat dreamin’: Neil Gilbert’s AC75 Canadian flyer
Jan 14, 2021
Neil Gilbert is a Canadian marine designer located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Neil’s work spans four decades and all manner of boats both power and sail working or having worked with Campion Marine, Malibu Boats, Doral Boats, Vector Powerboats, C&C Yachts, Twin Anchors, and many others.
Lately, like many of us, Neil has been watching the America’s Cup. His fascination with the AC75s in the Cup has led him into a comprehensive study of these highly technical boats. But that’s not all.
“Every time I look at these boats I wish there was a Canadian flag on one.” Neil feels that Canadians could, and should, take our talents as designers and builder and play on the biggest stage. “A Canadian challenge? We certainly could do it!”
But Neil’s process didn’t stop at thinking about it; he turned his ideas into drawings and now these stunning renderings. We have to agree with Neil that the Maple Leaf certainly looks great on his computer boat creations.
Neil explains that the design process is different for a boat that spends its time airborne. “There’s no pitching and it remains at a constant angle,” he tells us. Neil has studied aerodynamic design extensively so this is his chance to shine.
“Perhaps I am just giving a little poke to the marine industry people in this country. Maybe it will give them a push,” he tells us with at least a hint of pot stirring in his daydreaming. But he has a point – why not Canada?
-JM
